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A-'^QC^fSTB/Jf  .nSL 


Diciaion  of  Horticuiittpe;-- 

H.  0.  Dec't  of  AffWnnn —  u&Y  19 190 


AMERICAN 

FLOWER-GARDEN  DIRECTORY: 

CONTAINma 

PRACTICAL  DIRECTIONS  FOR   THE   CULTURE   OP  PLANTS, 
in 

THE  FLOT\^R-GARDEN,  HOT-HOUSE,  GREEN-HOUSE, 
ROOMS,  OR  PARLOUR  WINDOWS, 

FOR  EVERY  MONTH  IN  THE  YEAR. 

WITH 

A  BESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PLANTS  MOST  DESIRABLE  IN  EACH,  THE  NATURE  OF 
THE  SOIL  AND  SITUATION  BEST  ADAPTED  TO  THEIR  GROWTH,  THE 
f  PROPER  SEASON  FOR  TRANSPLANTING,  ETC. 

WITH   INSTRUCTIONS   FOR   ERECTING 

THE  WHOLE 

ADAPTED   TO   EITHER    LARGE    OR    SMALL   GARDENS 

WITH  INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  PREPARING  THE  SOIL,  PROPAGATING, 
PLANTING,  PRUNING,  TRAINING,  AND  FRUITING  ; 

THE  GRAPE  VINE, 

WITH  DESCRIPTIONS  OP  THE  BEST  SORTS  POR  CULTIVATIl^Q 
IN  THE  OPEN  AIR, 

BY    ROBERT    BUIST, 

NURSERYMAN     AND    SEED-GROWER. 

Zixil  H5&itiDiT,  initfj  Numtrou^  EJJifitionif. 

NEW  YORK: 
C.  M.  SAXTON,  BARKER  &  CO.,  25  PARK  ROW. 
SAN  FRANCISCO:   H.  H.  BANGKOET  &  CO. 
1860..„.^ 

UBRakY 

Ditisicri.  oi  Horncui^^ui-^, 

.    _     ,      -  .    ^  _ii...-.  MAY   ' 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1854,  by 

C.    M.    SAXTON, 

En  the  Clerk's  OfiSce  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  in  and  for 
the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


INTRODUCTION. 


We  are  again  called  upon  to  present  to  the  public  the  6th 
edition  of  this  popular  work  on  the  Culture  of  Flowers — a 
taste  that  is  now  widely  disseminating  itself;  in  fact,  a  know- 
ledge of  which  is  requisite  before  a  refined  education  is  com- 
pleted. We  boldly  and  fearlessly  say  that  no  country  has 
made  such  rapid  advancement  in  the  art  and  science  of  Horti- 
culture in  so  short  a  period  as  the  United  States.  Wherever 
the  taste  prevails,  it  diffuses  a  peace  and  harmony  among  its 
participants  without  either  symbol  or  mystery.  In  this 
edition,  a  feast  of  new  materials  has  been  served  up ;  entire 
lists  have  been  cancelled  and  replaced  with  those  of  newer 
and  finer  forms  and  habits ;  extraneous  matter  and  plants  of 
indifierent  character  are  dropped.  The  great  and  successful 
adaptation  of  Hot  water  to  Horticultural  purposes  is  explicitly 
described,  and  to  those  who  wish  to  examine  the  results,  we 
Bay  "  Come  and  see."  A  new  and  distinct  list  of  hardy 
Evergreens  has  been  added,  and  a  new  chapter  on  the  ever-to- 
be-admired  ROSE,  and  every  improvement  in  the  art  up  to 
this  present  time  introduced. 

True,  we  have  not  dilated  on  the  wonderful  effects  of 
electricity  upon  vegetation,  nor  have  we  been  extravagant 
in  the  results  of  guano  in  the  growth  of  plants.  With  re- 
gard to  the  former,  the  capability  of  its  reduction  to  general 
practice   has   yet  to   be   proven — and   the   latter  has  to  be 


iv  INTRODUCTION. 

cautiously  used,  and  even  then  its  beneficial  efi'ects  arc  not 
universal.  However,  it  can  in  a  liquid  state  be  used  to 
advantage  on  almost  any  plant,  especially  those  of  strong 
habits,  such  as  the  Hose,  Geranium,  Fuchsia,  Heliotrope, 
Chrysanthemum,  &c.  To  such,  the  following  proportions 
will  be  very  beneficial :  1  lb.  of  guano  to  5  galls,  of  water ; 
after  standing  12  or  more  hours,  can  be  used  in  the  routine 
of  watering  once  a  week  or  even  once  in  two  weeks ;  but 
to  plants  that  have  more  delicate  and  silky  rootlets,  such  as 
Epacris,  Erica,  Azalea,  &c.,  the  liquid  must  be  reduced  one- 
half. 

Our  descriptions  of  plants  have  been  conveyed  more  with 
the  view  of  giving  an  idea  of  their  character  to  the  general 
reader  than  an  accurate  botanical  synopsis,  which  would  have 
been  known  to  the  botanist  alone.  All  that  we  have  described 
and  recommended  have,  with  a  few  exceptions,  passed  under 
our  own  observation,  and  are  such  as  are  worthy  of  cultiva- 
tion, either  for  beauty  of  flower,  foliage,  or  habit,  together 
with  those  celebrated  in  arts  and  medicine.  Many  may, 
possibly,  have  passed  unobserved,  either  from  not  being  very 
generally  known  or  difficult  to  obtain ;  but  in  no  case  has 
there  been  suppression,  from  business  prejudices.  Where  the 
words  "  our  collections"  occur,  they  are  meant  for  those  of 
the  country  generally. 

All  our  observations  have  been  guided  by  dint  of  practice ; 
and,  although  others  may  difi'er,  this  is  designedly  and  pro- 
fessedly given  as  the  result  of  our  own  experience.  The 
plan  laid  down  is  our  own  routine  of  culture ;  the  soils  are 
those  whicn  we  adopt ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  conceding  that 
every  art  and  profession  is  subject  to  improvement,  and  none 
more  so  than  American  horticulture.  The  table  of  soils  was 
originally  constructed  at  the  expense  of  much  investigation 
and  labour,  and  has,  also,  in  this  edition,  undergone  consider- 
able improvement.     To  every  one  that  has  but  a  single  plant 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

it  will  be  found  invaluable.  Although  the  publications  in 
Europe  on  Gardening  and  Floriculture  are  profuse,  yet  many 
of  their  directions,  when  practised  in  the  United  States,  prove 
almost  a  dead  letter.  Not  so  with  their  architectural  and 
horticultural  designs.  The  estates  of  the  wealthy  are  suscepti- 
ble of  great  improvement ;  they  want  more  of  the  picturesque, 
and  (to  use  the  words  of  the  veteran  pioneer  of  horticulture) 
gardenesque  effect,  to  relieve  their  premises  from  the  mono- 
tonous erections  and  improvements  which  seem  to  govern  all. 
On  culture,  a  work  adapted  to  the  climate  must  (and  no  other 
can)  be  the  guide  in  this  country :  on  this  account,  a  work 
like  the  present  has  been  a  desideratum  to  aid  those  who 
desire  to  employ  their  leasure  hours  either  for  amusement, 
the  benefit  of  health,  to  sweeten  the  decline  of  life,  or  to  gain 
a  more  intimate  knowledge  of  the  various  productions  of 
nature  throughout  the  world.  Every  year  brings  from  other 
climes  some  remarkable  flower,  fruit,  or  plant ;  and  as  a  point 
that  we  are  at  least  in  some  of  our  undertakings  second  to 
none,  we  have  only  to  refer  to  the  very  successful  culture  and 
flowering  of  the  Victoria  Regia  Water  Lily,  at  Spring 
Brook,  the  country  seat  of  Caleb  Cope,  Esq.,  where  it  has 
bloomed  with  more  regal  grandeur  than  at  any  of  the  Abbeys, 
Castles,  or  Palaces  of  the  Eastern  world. 

ROBERT  BUIST. 

ROSEDALE  NUESEEIES, 

Near  Philadelphia,  1854. 


1* 


PEETACE 

TO  THE  FIRST  EDITION. 


This  volume  owes  its  existence  principally  to  ine  repeated 
requests  of  a  number  of  our  fair  patrons  and  amateur  sup- 
porters, whose  inquiries  and  wishes  for  a  practical  manual 
on  Floriculture  at  last  induced  us  to  prepare  a  work  on  the 
subject.  That  now  offered  is  given  unaffectedly  and  simply 
as  a  plain  and  easy  treatise  on  this  increasingly  interesting 
subject.  It  will  at  once  be  perceived  that  there  are  no  pre- 
tensions to  literary  claims — the  directions  are  given  in  the 
simplest  manner — the  arrangement  made  as  lucidly  as  was 
in  our  power — and  the  whole  is  presented  with  the  single 
wish  of  its  being  practically  useful.  How  far  our  object  has 
been  attained,  of  course  our  readers  must  judge.  Nothing 
has  been  intentionally  concealed ;  and  all  that  is  asserted  is 
the  result  of  minute  observation,  close  application,  and  an 
extended  continuous  experience  from  childhood.  We  pretend 
not  to  infallibility,  and  are  not  so  sanguine  as  to  declare  our 
views  the  most  perfect  that  can  be  attained.  But  we  can  so 
far  say  that  the  practice  here  recommended  has  been  found 
very  successful. 

Some,  very  probably,  may  be  disappointed  in  not  having 
the  means  of  propagating  as  clearly  delineated  as  those  of 
culture ;  but  to  have  entered  into  all  the  minutiae  connected 

(vii) 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

therewith  would  have  formed  materials  for  two  volumes 
larger  than  the  present.  We  might  have  described  that 
branch,  as  it  has  already  been  done  in  works  published  both 
on  this  continent  and  in  Europe.  In  one  of  the  former,  it  is 
said  ''  You  may  now  propagate  many  kinds  (^Exotic  Plants) 
by  suckers,  cuttings,  and  layers,  which  should  be  duly  at- 
tended to,  particularly  such  as  are  scarce  and  difficult  to  be 
obtained."  And  the  directions  given  in  one  of  the  most  ex- 
tensive works  in  Europe  on  the  propagation  of  an  extensive 
genus  varied  in  character  and  constitution,  ran  thus  :  "  Cut- 
tings of  most  kinds  will  strike  root.  From  the  strongest- 
growing  kinds,  take  off  large  cuttings  at  a  joint,  and  plunge 
them  in  a  pot  of  sand  under  a  hand-glass  in  the  bark  bed. 
Of  the  smaller  kinds,  take  younger  kinds  and  put  them  under 
a  bell-glass,  also  plunged  in  heat.  The  sooner  the  plants  are 
potted  off  after  they  are  rooted  the  better." 

Such  instructions  to  the  inexperienced  are  imperfect  and 
unavailing,  which,  we  flatter  ourselves,  is  not  the  character 
that  will  attach  to  the  present  work.  We  are  well  aware  that 
there  are  persons  who,  to  show  their  own  superior  abilities, 
may  cavil  and  say  that  there  is  nothing  new.  To  such  critics 
it  may  be  answered,  if  arranging,  simplifying,  digesting,  and 
rendering  Floriculture  attainable  by  the  humblest  capacity, 
with  useful  lists  and  tables  on  a  plan  quite  novel,  as  we 
believe,  offer  nothing  new,  it  may  at  least  be  called  an  im- 
provement. Howevei-,  we  submit  all  to  a  generous  public,  to 
whom  we  are  already  under  many  obligations. 

HIBBEUT  &  BUIST. 

Philadelphia,  April  18th,  1832. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


pAoa 

Flower  gaeden,  laying  out  a 

.       17 

JANUARY. 

Of  framing,  &c., 

^                             ^ 

21 

Of  pruning, 

FEBRUARY. 

22 

Of  pruning,  &c., 

^              ^ 

23 

Of  planting  shrubs,  &c., 

,              , 

25 

Of  hyacinths,  &c.. 

MARCH. 

.        28 

Of  framing, 

. 

.        29 

List  of  choice  annuals  for  hot-beds, 

30 

List  of  choice  hardy  annuals,     . 

33 

Box  edgings. 

, 

35 

Grass  and  other  edgings. 

,              ^ 

36 

List  of  hardy  biennials, 

. 

37 

List  of  hardy  perennials. 

, 

38 

Bulbous  roots, 

,              , 

52 

Carnations,  pinks,  primroses,  &c., 

52 

Auriculas,     . 

,              , 

53 

Kanunculus  and  anemone, 

. 

53 

Roses, 

. 

54 

Roses,  climbing, 

. 

58 

Deciduous  ornamental  flowering  shrubs, 

58 

Grass-plats  and  walks,    . 

,              , 

59 

Gravel  walks 

. 

60 

Of  grafting, 

. 

.        61 

C9) 


CONTENTS. 


APRIL. 


Annuals, 

Biennials  and  p>2rennials, 

Roses, 

Hybrid  Chinese  roses,     . 

Select  list  of  Chinese  roses, 

Hybrid  roses,  striped,  spotted,  or  marbled, 

Perpetual  roses, 

Hybrid  perpetual  roses, 

Grafting  roses, 

Bourbon  roses,    . 

Bengal  roses, 

Tea  rose, 

Noisette  roses. 

Musk  roses. 

Climbing  roses, 

Microphylla  roses. 

Climbing  plants, 

Deciduous  shrubs, 

Of  planting  evergreen  shrubs, 

Care  of  choice  bulbs. 

Anemones  and  ranunculus, 

Character  of  a  fine  ranunculus, 

Auriculas,     . 

Character  of  a  fine  auricula, 

Carnations,  pinks,  &c.. 

Character  of  a  polyanthus, 

Polianthes  tuberosa  flore  pleno, 

Heart's  ease  or  pansy,    . 

Gladiolus,  or  sword  lily, 

Jacobea  lily. 

Tiger  flower. 

Walks,     . 

Evergreen  hedges,    . 

Box-edgings, 

General  care  of  plants  coming  into  flower, 


MAT. 

Dahlia,  propagation  of,  by  cuttings, 

grafting, 

Dahlias,  list  of,         . 
Dahlia,  character  of. 
Annuals,  hardy  and  tender. 
Care  of  hyacinths,  tulips,  &c.,  . 
Anemones  and  ranunculus. 
Tuberoses  and  amaryllis, 


CONTENTS. 


XI 


Auriculas,  polyanthus,  and  primroses,  . 
Double  wall-floTvers, 
General  observations,     . 


PAGB 

110 
110 
111 


JUNE    AND    JULY. 


Holland  bulbs,    . 
Autumn  flowering  bulbs. 
Carnations  and  pinks,     . 

laying  of. 

Budding  roses,    . 
Of  watering, 


111 
111 
112 
113 
114 
116 


AUGUST. 


Evergreen  hedges,    . 
Carnations  and  pinks,     . 
Bulbous  roots, 
Sowing  seeds  of  bulbous  roots, 


116 
117 
117 
118 


SEPTEMBEB. 


Of  dahlias, 

General  care  of  plants  in  pots, 
Beds  for  bulbous  roots. 
General  observations. 
Sowing  and  saving  seed, 


118 
119 
119 
119 
120 


OOTOBEB. 

Of  planting  bulbous  and  tuberous  roots, 
Of  planting  and  transplanting. 
Grass  and  gravel  walks,  .  . 

Planting  evergreens,  •  . 

General  observations, 


120 
125 
125 
126 
126 


NOVEMBEB. 

Dahlias,  ..... 

Tuberoses,  tigridias,  and  amaryllis, 

Erythi-inas,         ..... 

Primroses,  polyanthus,  and  daisies. 

Choice  carnations,  pinks,  pansies,  and  auriculas, 

Of  protecting  plants  in  the  garden. 

Protection  of  seedling  bulbs, 

Of  planting  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs. 

General  observations,     .... 


.   126 

, 

127 

.   127 

, 

128 

.   128 

^ 

129 

.   129 

, 

129 

.   130 

XU  CONTENTS. 

DECEMBER. 

PAQB 

General  observations,     ......      130 


HOT-HOUSE. 

CONSTKUCTION  OF  A  HOT-HOUSE,                   .                                   .                 .  133 

JANUARY. 

Of  firing  and  fuel,  .  .  .  .  .  .138 

Of  watering  the  plants,         .....  189 

Of  insects — their  destruction,    .....  140 

Of  cleansing  plants,  house,  &c.,       ....  143 

FEBRUARY. 

Of  insects,  &c.,               ......  145 

Of  repotting  plants,              .....  146 

Of  cleansing  plants,  hwise,  &c.,             ....  147 

MARCH. 

Of  repotting  plants,        ......  148 

APRIL. 

Repottint  cacti,  &c.,      ......  149 

MAY. 

Of  repotting  plants,  &c.,             .....  150 

Of  bringing  out  the  hot-house  plants,           .             .             .  177 
Succulent  plants,  as  cacti,  &c.,              .             .             .            .179 

JUNE    AND    JULY. 

General  observations,     .  .  .  .  .  .179 

AUGUST. 

Repotting,          .             .             .             .             .             .            .  180 

Of  painting,  repairing,  and  cleansing  the  house,     .            .  180 

SEPTEMBER. 

Dressing  the  plants,       ......  181 

Of  taking  in  the  plants,        .....  181 

General  observations,     .  .  .  -  .182 


General  observations, 


Of  air  and  water, 
General  observations, 


CONTENTS. 
OCTOBER. 


NOVEMBER. 


PAGB 
182 


183 

184 


Of  shutters,         .  . 

Of  bulbous  roots. 
General  observations,     . 
Epiphyte,  or  air  plants, 


DECEMBER. 


185 

186 
186 
18S 


GREEN-HOUSE. 

COKSTRUCTION  OF  A  GEEEN-H0U8E, 


189 


JANUARY. 


Of  watering, 

Camellia  japonica,    . 

Of  oranges,  lemons,  &c., 

Of  cape  bulbs, 

Of  hyacinths  and  other  bulbs, 


EEBRUART. 


Of  oranges  and  lemons, 
Of  cape  bulbs. 
Camellia  japonica, 
Of  shifting, 
Of  cleansing,  &c., 


MARCH. 


Of  watering,        .  .  .  . 

Of  oranges,  lemons,  &c., 
Myrtles,  oleanders,  &c., 
Geraniums, 
Herbaceous  plants, 
Of  cape  bulbs,  &c.. 

Repotting,  .  .  .  . 

Of  enarching,  or  grafting  by  approach, 
o 


191 
191 
192 
192 
193 


194 
194 
195 
196 
197 


198 
198 
199 
199 
200 
200 
200 
262 


XIV 


CONTENTS. 
APRIL. 


Watering, 

Oranges  and  lemons, 

Myrtles  and  oleanders, 

Geraniums,  . 

Flowering  plants, 

Insects, 

Flowering  stocks, 


MAY. 


Watering,  .  .  .  . 

Of  bringing  out  the  green-house  plants, 
Repotting  plants,  .  .  . 

Camellias,     .... 
Cape  bulbs,        .... 


JUNE    AND    JULY. 


General  observations, 


AUGUST. 


Geraniums,         .  .  . 

Oranges  and  lemons, 
Pruning  oranges  and  lemons,     . 
Repotting  plants. 
General  observations,     . 


SEPTEMBER. 


Of  watering. 

Preparing  for  taking  in  the  plants, 

Stocks  and  wall-flowers,  . 

Chrysanthemums,     . 

Cape  and  Holland  bulbs, 


OCTOBER, 

Of  taking  in  and  arranging  the  plants. 
Of  repotting. 

Camellias,  .... 

Sowing  camellia  seed. 


Of  air  and  water. 
Of  tender  bulbs. 
General  observations; 


NOVEMBER. 


286 
287 
287 


CONTENTS.  XV 

DECEMBER. 

PAQB 

Bulbous  roots,    .......      288 


ROOMS. 
Tbeatment  op  plants  in  rooms,  ....      289 

JANUARY. 

Watering,            .             .             .             .             .             .  .291 

Of  camellia  japonica,            .....  292 

Of  insects,  &c.,               .            .             .            .             .  .292 

Of  bulbous  roots  in  general,             ....  293 

FEBRUARY. 

General  observations,     ......      294 

MARCH. 
Flowering  plants,  ......      296 

APRIL. 

Directions  for  plants  brought  from  the  green-house,  .  297 

Flowering  plants,  ......      298 

Bringing  plants  out  of  the  cellar,     ....  298 

MAY. 

Cape  bulbs, 300 

Repotting,    .......  300 

JUNE    AND    JULY. 

General  observations,     ......      300 

AUaUST. 
General  observations,     ......      801 

SEPTEMBER. 
General  observations,  .....      302 

OCTOBER. 

Of  bulbous  roots,  ....••      303 

General  observations,  .....  304 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

NOVEMBER. 

PAGE 

General  observations,     ......      304 

DECEMBER. 

Roses,     ........      305 

Camellias,     .......  806 


CULTURE  OF  THE  GRAPE  VINE. 

Aspect,               .......  310 

On  soil,         .......  310 

On  the  propagation  of  yines,      .             .             .             .             .  313 

On  erections  for  the  support  and  protection  of  the  vines  in  out- 
door culture,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .316 

Of  transplanting  the  vine,    .             .            .             .             .  318 

On  pruning,        .......  318 

On  manure,                ......  321 

Descriptive  catalogue  of  grapes  most  suitable  for  open  air  cul- 
ture,         .......  322 


LISTS. 


Hardy  evergreens,  .         .  .  .  .  .      327 

deciduous  trees  and  shrubs,  .  •  33C 

Table  of  soils,    .  .  .  *  .  .834 


THE 

UlSEICAN  FLOWER-GAEDEN 
DIRECTORY. 


ON  LAYING  OUT  A  FLOWER-aARDEN. 

'fmu  i  lower-Garden  is  chiefly  devoted  to  the  cultivation  of 
»i*owy  flowering  plants,  shrubs,  and  trees,  either  natives  of 
rtiis  country  or  those  of  a  foreign  clime ;  it  is  a  refined  ap- 
pendage to  a  country  seat,  "  suburban'^  villa,  or  city  resi- 
dence ;  every  age  has  had  its  principles  of  taste,  and  every 
country  its  system  of  gardening.  Our  limits  do  not  permit 
us  to  enter  minutely  into  the  details  of  any  of  these  sys- 
tems ;  but  a  lew  hints  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  those  whose 
design  is  the  laying  out  or  improvement  of  the  garden. 
The  Italian  style  is  characterized  by  broad  terraces  and  pa- 
rcdlel  walks,  having  the  delightful  shade  and  agreeable  fra- 
grance of  the  orange  and  the  myrtle.  Terraces  may  be  ad- 
vantageously adopted  to  surmount  steep  declivities;  and,  if 
judiciously  laid  out,  would  convert  a  sterile  bank  into  a 
beautiful  promenade,  or  choice  flower-garden. 

The  French  partially  adopt  the  above  system,  interspers- 
ing it  with  parterres  and  fgures  of  statuary  work  of  every 
character  and  description.  When  such  is  well  designed  and 
neatly  executed,  it  has  a  lively  and  interesting  effect ;  but 
now  the  refined  taste  says  these  vagai-ies  are  too  fantastic, 
and  entirely  out  of  place.  A  late  writer  says  of  Dutch  gar- 
dening, that  it  "  is  rectangular  formality  :"  they  take  great 
pride  in  trimming  their  trees  of  yew,  holly,  and  other  ever- 
2  *  (17) 


MPEinr  LiBiMr 


ib  ON   LAYING   OUT   A   PLOWER-GA-tDEN. 

greens,  into  every  variety  of  form,  such  as  mops,  moons,  hal- 
berds, chairs,  &c.  In  such  a  system  it  is  indispensable  to 
order  that  the  compartments  correspond  in  formality,  nothing 
being  more  offensive  to  the  eye  than  incongruous  mixtures 
of  character. 

The  beauty  of  English  gardening  consists  in  an  artful 
imitation  of  nature,  and  is  consequently  much  dependent  on 
aspect  and  locality.  It  is  a  desideratum,  where  wood  and 
water  can  be  combined  with  the  flower-garden,  and  the  prac- 
tical eye  can  dispose  of  an  object  to  advantage  by  interspers- 
ing shrubbery  and  walks,  that  the  combined  objects  form  an 
agreeable  whole.  They  are  not  to  be  disposed  with  a  view 
to  their  appearance  in  a  picture,  but  to  the  use  and  enjoy- 
ment of  them  in  real  life. 

We  will  now  endeavour  to  give  an  explicit  exposition  of  a 
system  adapted  to  our  variable  climate  of  extreme  heat  and 
excessive  cold.  Where  choice  of  aspects  can  be  obtained, 
preference  should  be  given  to  a  south-east  or  east ;  but  if 
not,  south  or  south-west,  and,  if  possible,  sheltered  by  ris- 
ing ground  or  full-grown  woods  from  the  north-west  and 
north.  But  to  lay  down  directions  for  a  flower-garden  is  not 
a  little  difficult,  seeing  that  there  cannot  be  any  given  area 
or  any  description  of  local  circumstances  applicable  to  all 
situations.  A  good  soil  is  the  sure  foundation  on  which  to 
rear  the  grand  floral  superstructure,  and  the  most  genial  is  a 
sandy  loam  :  I  mean  by  sandy  loam  a  soil  which  contains 
from  one-sixth  to  one-tenth  of  sand ;  and  if  on  a  gravelly  or 
sandy  bottom,  so  much  the  better.  Where  the  general  sur- 
face is  gently  undulating,  it  will  greatly  add  to  the  beauty  of 
arrangement ;  if  access  to  a  spring  can  be  obtained,  it  will 
prove  a  desideratum  in  completing  the  whole  :  it  can  be 
available  for  a  fish-pond  or  an  aquarium,  or  can  be  convert- 
ed into  a  swamp  for  the  cultivation  of  many  of  our  most 
beautiful  and  interestiug  native  plants,  such  as  Habanaria, 
Lilium,  Sarracenia,  Dionea,  &c.,  and  on  the  margin  of  which 
(if  partially  shaded)  can  be  planted  the  beautiful  varieties  of 
Azaleas,  and  the  splendid  flowering  Rhododendron,  which 
by  the  by,  are  almost  entirely  neglected  in  all  our  floral  deco 
rations.  With  many,  the  arrangement  of  a  flower-gardeu 
is  rather  a  matter  for  the  exercise  of  fancy,  than  one  calling 
for  the  application  of  refined  taste :  true,  it  may  be  saiu 
there  ia  no  mathematical  law  to  guide  the  designer,  so  tl  it 


ON  LAYING   OUT  A   FLOWER-GARDEN.  19 

If  he  avoid  incongruity  of  arrangement  the  end  is  accom- 
plished. But,  in  commencing  these  operations,  a  design 
should  be  kept  in  view  that  will  tend  to  expand,  improve, 
and  beautify  the  situation ;  not,  as  we  too  frequently  see  it, 
the  parterre  and  borders  with  narrow  walks  up  to  the  very 
household  entrance :  such  is  decidedly  bad  taste,  unless  com- 
pelled for  want  of  room.  For  perspicuity,  admit  that  the 
area  to  be  enclosed  should  be  from  one  to  three  acres,  a  cir- 
cumambient walk  should  be  traced  at  some  distance  within 
the  fence,  by  which  the  whole  is  enclosed  ;  the  inferior  walks 
should  partly  circumscribe  and  intersect  the  general  surface 
in  an  easy,  serpentine,  and  sweeping  manner,  and  at  such 
distances  as  would  allow  an  agreeable  view  of  the  flowers 
when  walking  for  exercise.  Walks  may  be  in  breadth  from 
three  to  twenty  feet,  although  from  four  to  ten  feet  is  gene- 
rally adopted;  and,  to  have  these  dry  and  permanent,  those 
that  are  to  be  much  used  should  have  six  to  eight  inches  of 
the  bottom  soil  dug  out  in  a  concave  manner,  and  in  the 
centre  of  the  concave  dig  out  a  trench  of  about  nine  inches 
square,  to  form  a  drain,  which  may  be  made  with  brick  or 
filled  with  rough  stone,  and  the  concave  may  be  filled  with 
refuse  of  buildings  or  broken  stone  within  three  inches  of 
+he  desired  height,  which  should  be  covered  with  gravel,  and 
then  firmly  rolled  with  a  heavy  roller.  Where  the  gravel 
cannot  be  obtained,  sand  may  be  used,  mixed  with  a  few 
small  stones  to  bind  it,  but  such  needs  very  repeated  rolling. 
Walks,  such  as  described,  when  completely  finished,  will  last 
for  ages ;  but  many  will  not  be  disposed  to  go  to  such  ex- 
pense ;  to  those  we  say  use  tanner's  bark,  which  is  very 
cheap,  and  accessible  to  all.  The  outer  margin  of  the  gar- 
den should  be  planted  with  the  largest  trees  and  shrubs;  the 
interior  arrangement  may  be  in  detached  groups  of  shrub- 
bery and  parterres.  In  order  that  the  whole  should  not 
partake  of  a  uniform  and  gi'aduated  character,  it  should  be 
broken  and  diversified  by  single  trees  planted  in  the  turf,  or 
arising  in  scattered  groups  from  a  base  of  shrubs.  In  some 
secluded  spot,  rock-work  or  a  fountain,  or  both,  may  ba 
erected  ;  the  foundation  of  the  former  should  consist  of 
mounds  of  earth,  which  will  answer  the  purpose  of  more 
solid  erections,  and  will  make  the  stones  go  farther  :  rocks 
of  the  same  kind  and  colour  should  be  placed  together,  and 
the   greatest  possible  variety  of  character,    size,   and   form 


20  ON   LAYING   OUT   A   FLOWER-GARDEN 

should  be  studied,  the  whole  showing  an  evident  and  well 
deiined  connexion.  These  erections  generally  are  stiff,  arti- 
ficial, disjointed  masses,  and  often  decorated  with  plants 
having  no  alhnity  to  their  arid  location.  The  undertaking, 
when  well  completed,  will  present  a  field  of  varied  and  in- 
teresting study,  and  more  than  compensate  for  the  labour 
and  expense  bestowed  upon  it.  If  it  is  desired  that  the  flower- 
garden  should  be  a  botanical  study,  there  should  be  some 
botanical  arrangement  adopted. 

The  Linncean  system  is  the  most  easily  acquired.  A 
small  compartment,  laid  out  in  beds,  might  contain  plants  of 
Jul  the  twenty-four  classes,  and  a  few  of  all  the  hardy  orders, 
which  do  not  exceed  one  hundred.  Or,  to  have  their  natu- 
ral characters  more  assimilated,  the  Jussieuean  system  could 
he  carried  into  effect  by  laying  down  a  grass-plat  to  any 
extent  above  one  quarter  of  an  acre,  and  cut  therein  small 
ligures  to  contain  the  natural  families,  which,  of  hardy  plants, 
we  do  not  suppose  would  exceed  one  hundred  and  fifty.  The 
difficulties  of  this  arrangement  are,  that  many  of  the  cha- 
racters are  imperfectly  known,  even  to  the  most  scientific. 
(See  Professor  Lindley's  Introduction  to  Botany.)  All  the 
large  divisions  should  be  intersected  by  small  alleys,  or  paths, 
about  one  and  a  half  or  two  feet  wide.  When  there  is  not 
a  green-house  attached  to  the  flower-garden,  there  should  be, 
at  least,  a  few  sashes  of  framing,  or  a  forcing  pit,  to  bring 
forward  early  annuals,  &c.,  for  early  blooming.  These 
should  be  situate  in  some  spot  detached  from  the  garden  by 
a  fence  of  Roses,  trained  to  trellises.  Chinese  Arbor  vitae, 
Privet,  or  even  Madura,  make  excellent  fences,  and,  when 
properly  trimmed,  are  very  ornamental :  they  require  to  be 
neatly  and  carefully  clipped  with  shears  every  September. 
In  the  Southern  States,  Noisette,  Bourbon,  and  China  Roses, 
with  a  profusion  of  Sweetbriar,  would  make  the  most  beauti- 
ful of  all  fences,  and  could  be  very  easily  obtained  :  a  fence 
three  hundred  feet  long  would  only  cost  about  one  hundred 
and  twenty  dollars.  Frames  for  forcing  should  be  made  of 
plank  two  inches  thick,  and  well  put  together ;  the  sash 
should  be  from  five  to  seven  feet  long,  and  from  three  to  four 
feet  wide,  and  filled  with  six  by  eight  glass.  In  the  framing- 
ground  should  be  kept  the  various  soils  required  for  plants, 
and  also  varies  characters  of  manure  at  all  times  ready 
for  use,  the  whole    in    regular   heaps,  and  kept   free    from 


Jan.'\  OF    FRAMING,   ETC.  21 

weeds. — Haviug  given  these  brief  outlines  of  a  flower-garden, 
we  now  proceed  to  give  monthly  directions  for  planting  and 
keeping  the  same  in  order. 


JANUARY. 

If  the  covering  of  the  beds  of  choice  bulbs,  herbaceous 
plants,  or  tender  shrubs,  has  been  neglected  last  month,  let 
it  be  done  forthwith.  The  season  is  now  precarious,  and 
delays  are  dangerous.  For  particular  directions,  see  Decem- 
ber. Any  bulbous  roots  that  have  been  kept  out  of  the 
ground,  should  be  planted  immediately,  according  to  direc- 
tions in  October.  Some  writers  have  recommended  keeping 
some  of  the  bulbs  until  this  month,  in  order  to  have  a  con- 
tinued succession.  Experience  will  prove  the  inefficiency  of 
the  plan,  and  will  satisfactorily  show  that  the  diflFerence  is 
almost  imperceptible,  while  the  flowers  are  very  inferioi', 
and  much  degenerated  ;  and,  in  place  of  having  ''  a  long-con- 
tinued succession  of  bloom/'  there  appear,  along  with  your 
finest  specimens,  very  imperfect  flowers,  calculated  to  discou- 
rage the  admirers  of  these  "  gaudy"  decoratives  of  our  flower- 
gardens.  Whereas,  every  art  employed  should  be  to  the 
advancement  and  perfection  of  nature. 


OF    FRAMING,    ETC. 

The  plants  and  roots  that  are  in  frames  should  be  protect  ■ 
ed  with  straw,  mats^and  boards,  and  the  frame  surroundei. 
with  litter,  or  leaves,  or,  what  is  more  advisable,  banked 
with  turf — the  former  being  a  harbour  for  mice  and  other 
vermin.  For  full  directions,  see  Decemher.  Under  this 
head,  the  plants,  such  as  Auriculas,  Polyanthus,  Daisies, 
Carnations,  Pinlcs,  Pentstemons,  Campanula  pyramidalis, 
Double  rochet,  Douhle  stock,  or  Stochgillys,  Double  \Yall' 
Jloioer,  Anemone,  Ranuncxdtis,  &c.,  as  previously  enumerated 
as  frame  plants,  will  require  very  little  water,  and  be  sure 
to  give  none  while  they  are  in  a  frozen  state.  If  snow 
2* 


22  OP  PRUNING.  {Jan. 

should  cover  them,  the  plants  will  keep  in  a  fine  state  under 
it;  so  never  remove  snow  from  covering  cold  frames,  even 
suppose  it  should  lie  for  weeks  —  nature  will  operate  here 
herself.  But  when  framing  cannot  be  obtained,  they  will, 
in  this  latitude,  keep  tolerably,  if  gently  covered  with  leaves 
or  litter,  using  means  to  secure  them  from  being  blown  over 
the  garden. 


OP   PRUNING. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  carry  on  a  general  system  of  pruning 
in  this  month,  in  whatever  state  the  weather  may  be.  The 
severest  frosts,  generally,  are  yet  to  come,  and  too  frequently 
what  is  done  now  in  this  operation  has  to  be  repeated  in  the 
spring,  causing,  at  that  time,  work  to  a  disadvantage ; 
because,  if  pruning,  when  done  just  now,  is  accomplished 
judiciously,  whatever  more  is  requisite  to  be  done  in  the 
spring  on  the  same  bush  will  be  injudicious.  Hence,  it  is 
far  preferable  to  delay  it  till  the  frost  is  nearly  over,  when 
all  can  be  done  to  advantage.  There  are,  undoubtedly,  hardy 
trees  and  some  shrubs,  that  may  be  pruned  and  thinned  out 
at  any  time  from  the  first  of  November  to  the  first  of  March ; 
such  as  Crataegus,  Sorbus,  Spirea,  and  even  Althea,  in  the 
Middle  States;  (the  Double  white  Althea  is  very  tender, 
and  requires  to  be  covered.)  The  tying  together  the  loose 
branches  of  Juniper,  Cedar,  and  Arbor  vitae  should  be 
particularly  attended  to,  as  heavy  snow  frequently  destroys 
the  shape  of  those  handsome  shrubs  by  breaking  down  the 
branches,  &c. — When  the  snow  is  heavy,  the  precaution  of 
shaking  it  off  should  be  resorted  to.  In  many  seasons,  the 
beginning  of  this  month  is  open,  and  admits  of  the  operation 
of  digging  in  open  quarters,  which  if  not  done,  as  advised 
last  mouth,  ought  not  to  be  delayed.  The  fruits  of  it  will 
appear  in  the  mellowed  state  of  your  soil  in  spring. 

If  there  is  any  spare  time,  tallies,  straight  sticks,  or  stakes, 
may  be  prepared  for  summer  use.  Tie  them  up  in  neat 
bundles,  which  will  be  of  great  service  during  the  hurried 
period  of  the  year.  An  opportunity  of  this  kind  should 
always  be  laid  hold  of ;  the  beneficial  results  will,  in  season, 
be  displayed. 


Feb']  OP  PRUNING,   ETC.  28 


FEBRUARY. 

"When  the  borders  and  various  compartments  were  dug  in 
the  autumn,  and  compost,  or  a  thin  coating  of  well-decom 
posed  manure  given,  the  advantage  will  now,  in  part,  be  ex- 
perienced. If  the  weather  is  open  about  the  end  of  the 
month,  the  pruning  should  be  done  with  the  utmost  des- 
patch, that  all  may  be  prepared  for  a  general  dressing  next 
month,  and  let  nothing  be  delayed  which  can  now  properly 
be  accomplished,  under  the  idea  that  there  is  time  enough. 


OF  PRUNING,  ETC. 

Grenerally,  about  the  end  of  the  month,  the  very  severe 
frosts  are  over,  and  when  none  need  be  apprehended  that 
would  materially  injure  hardy  shrubs,  they  may  be  freely 
pruned,  and  the  points  cut  of  such  shoots  as  may  have  been 
damaged  by  the  winter.  Most  of  shrubs  require  nothing 
more  than  to  be  thinned  of  straggling,  irregular,  and  injured 
branches,  or  of  suckers,  that  rise  round  the  root,  observing 
that  they  do  not  intermingle  with  each  other.  Never  trim 
them  up  in  a  formal  manner;  regular  shearing  of  shrubs, 
and  topiary  work,  have  been  expelled  as  unworthy  a  taste 
the  least  improved  by  reflections  on  beauty,  simplicity,  and 
grandeur  of  nature. 

In  fact,  the  pruning  of  deciduous,  hardy  shrubs  should  be 
done  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  be  observable  when  the 
plants  are  covered  with  verdure.  It  may  frequently  be  ob- 
served in  flower-gardens,  that  roses  and  shrubs  of  every  de- 
scription are  indiscriminately  cut  with  the  shears,  the  Aynd.r- 
phas,  Vihurnums,  and  Althias  sharing  the  same  fate. 

Rohinias,  Coluteas,  Cytisus,  Rhus,  Genistas,  with  several 
of  the  Viburnums,  and  many  others,  bear  their  flowers  on 
the  wood  of  last  year,  and,  when  thus  sheared,  afford  no 
gratification  in  flowering.  And  those  shrubs  that  thus  flower 
on  the  shoots  of  last  year  are  perhaps  worse  to  keep  in  regu- 
lar order  than  those  to  which  the  knife  can  be  freely  applied ; 
but  good  management,  while  young,  will  insure  handsome, 
free,  flowering  plants.         ^   ,       .      .,  p  '-^  c$I> 


•^- 


'Dm 


'^^ 


24  OF  PRUNING,   ETC.  [Feb. 

Climbing  shrubs,  and  otbers  that  are  trained  against  out- 
buildings, walls,  or  such  as  are  s^heltered  therebj^,  and  not 
now  in  danger  of  suffering  by  frost,  may  be  pruned  and 
dressed.  These  should  be  neatly  trimmed,  and  the  branches 
moderately  thinned  out,  tying  in  all  the  shoots  straight  and 
regular.     Avoid,  at  all  times,  the  crossing  of  any  shoots. 

There  is  not  a  shrub  in  the  garden  that  agrees  so  well 
with  close  cutting  as  the  AltJiea,  and  all  its  varieties.  These 
can  be  made  either  bushes  or  trees,  and  kept  at  any  desired 
height.  Where  the  wood  of  last  year  is  cut  to  about  two  or 
three  inches  from  the  wood  of  the  former  year,  the  young 
shoots  of  the  coming  season  will  produce  the  largest  and 
finest  flowers,  and  likewise  more  profusely.  When  they  have 
attained  the  desired  height,  let  them  be  kept  in  the  most 
natural  and  handsome  shape  that  the  taste  of  the  operator 
can  suggest.     They  will  bear  cutting  to  any  degree. 

Honeysuckles,  of  every  description,  may,  with  all  free- 
dom, be  trimmed,  providing  the  frost  is  not  very  severe. 
These  are  very  frequently  allowed  to  become  too  crowded 
with  wood,  and  then  superficially  sheared  or  cut.  The  flowers 
would  be  much  finer,  and  the  bush  handsomer,  if  they 
were  regularly  thinned  out,  divesting  them  of  all  naked  and 
superfluous  shoots.  Of  those  that  remain,  shorten  the  shoots 
of  last  year.  Where  any  of  the  honeysuckle  kind  has  be- 
come naked  at  the  bottom,  and  flowering  only  at  the  top  of 
the  trellis,  or  extremities  of  the  shoots,  one-half  of  the  bush 
should  be  cut  to  within  four  inches  of  the  ground.  It  will 
throw  out  plenty  of  fine,  young  wood,  which  give  room  for, 
and  train  them  straight,  and  to  the  full  extent,  during  sum- 
mer. These  shoots  will  flower  profusely  the  following  sea- 
son, and  in  like  manner,  when  thought  proper,  the  other 
half  can  be  cut. 

Roses  of  the  hardy  kinds  (termed  garden  roses)  that  were 
not  attended  to  in  November,  should,  if  the  weather  permit, 
be  dressed  and  pruned  forthwith.  In  small  gardens,  where 
these  are  generally  attached  to  the  walls  and  fences,  neatness 
should  be  a  very  particular  object.  If  any  of  such  bushes 
have  got  strong  and  irregular,  the  most  proper  method  to 
bring  them  to  order  will  be  to  cut  down  each  alternate  shoot 
of  the  bush  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  surface,  thereby 
renovating  it,  and,  in  part,  preserving  the  flowers.  Those 
that  are  cut  down   will  put  out  several  luxuriant  shoots, 


LIBKAKir 

13^  C.  State  CoIl««« 


Feb.']  OP   PLANTING   SHRUBS,   ETC.  25 

which  must  be  regularly  tacked  in,  spreading  them  in  a  fan 
shape.  These,  in  another  year,  will  flower  well,  when  the 
others  may  go  through  the  same  operation.  Thus,  in  two  or 
three  years,  the  bushes  will  have  resumed  a  different  and 
more  agreeable  aspect.  By  the  above  treatment,  these  orna- 
ments of  the  garden  will  always  have  a  neat  and  healthful 
appearance,  and  the  roses  will  be  much  finer.  Where  they 
are  intended  for  the  borders,  they  should  never  be  allowed 
to  get  too  high.  In  a  border  from  four  to  sis  feet,  they 
ought  never  to  exceed  four  feet  at  the  back  of  the  border, 
and  in  front  one  foot,  after  being  pruned ;  they  can  be  kept 
down  by  the  above  method.  It  is  not  advisable  to  cut  down 
rose  bushes  all  at  once,  unless  no  regard  is  paid  to  flowering. 
The  roses  that  are  in  grass-plats,  and  interspersed  through 
the  garden,  would  have  a  superior  appearance  in  every 
respect,  if  they  were  kept  and  trimmed  like  small  trees. 
They  may  be  of  different  sizes  and  heights,  according  to  the 
distance  they  are  from  the  walk.  A  single  stem  may  arise 
from  six  inches  to  six  feet,  with  a  head  in  proportion  to  the 
height  of  the  stem.  Where  it  is  necessary  to  have  them  above 
two  feet,  and  likewise  to  carry  a  good  head,  inoculation  must 
be  resorted  to,  which,  in  the  months  of  July  and  August,  will 
be  fully  treated  of  All  under  two  feet  (except  the  weak 
growing  kinds)  will  do  on  their  own  stems,  taking  care  not 
to  allow  shoots  to  arise  from  the  bottom  during  the  summer. 
For  directions  for  pruning  climbing  roses,  see  March  and 
April. 


OF    JfLANTINQ    SHRUBS,    ETC. 

As  soon  as  the  frost  is  out  of  the  gx*ound,  these  should  be 
planted,  if  the  soil  is  not  too  wet.  Where  soil  is  binding, 
upon  no  consideration  plant  it  while  wet ;  rather  defer  it  until 
the  end  of  March. 

Trees  and  shrubs,  if  they  are  well  arranged,  are  the  chief 
ornaments,  give  the  most  pleasure,  and  afford  the  greatest 
delight  that  we  enjoy  in  our  gardens.  Although  they  give 
no  sort  of  nourishment,  nor  produce  any  edible  fruits,  yet 
they  are  particularly  grateful,  and  conducive  to  our  enjoy- 
ments. Our  walks  in  summer  would  be  oppressive,  but  for 
their  agreeable  shade ;  in  the  fall  and  winter,  we  would  be 
3 


26  OF   PLANTING    SHRUBS,   EIC.  ^Feb 

left  exposed  to  the  chilling  winds,  but  for  the  shelter  they 
aflford. 

Likewise,  they  produce  a  great  variety  of  flowers,  a  varied 
foliage,  and  are  standing  ornaments  that  give  no  great  trouble. 
In  the  character  of  screens,  they  are  particularly  useful, 
whether  to  hide  disagreeable  objects,  or  as  a  guard  against 
the  weather ;  or,  if  they  are  planted  in  masses  at  a  distance, 
they  soon  become  agreeable  objects,  frequently  very  much 
improve  the  scenery  of  the  place,  become  objects  of  utility  as 
well  as  ornament,  and,  in  such  case,  afford  the  highest  satis- 
faction. When  formed  so  as  to  exclude  ofiices  from  the  view 
of  the  house,  or  for  sheltering  the  latter,  or  for  connecting 
the  house  with  the  garden,  orchard,  or  any  similar  purpose, 
shrubs  are  both  useful  and  interesting. 

Where  many  shrubs  are  to  be  planted,  the  disposing  of 
them  properly  is  a  matter  of  considerable  importance  to  the 
future  welfare  of  the  whole ;  and,  whether  deciduous  or  ever- 
greens be  mixed  or  grouped,  that  is,  indiscriminately  planted 
together,  or  the  evergreens  planted  by  themselves,  as  is  fre- 
quently done,  a  regular  and  natural  arrangement  is  indis- 
pensable for  establishing  ornament. 

Arranging,  no  doubt,  depends  very  much  on  fancy ;  still, 
there  ought  always  to  be  plenty  of  evergreens  planted,  that 
the  whole  may  be  more  cheerful  in  winter. 

If  shrubberies  were  made  to  a  great  extent,  the  scenery 
would  be  much  more  varied  and  characteristic  by  grouping 
judiciously  than  by  indiscriminately  planting. 

However,  in  small  flower-gardens  and  shrubberies,  the 
latter  has  to  be  adopted.  In  such  places,  tall-growing  kinds 
should  never  be  introduced,  unless  merely  as  a  screen  from 
some  disagreeable  object,  for  they  crowd  and  confuse  the 
whole.  The  dwarf  and  more  bushy  sorts  should  be  placed 
nearest  to  the  eye,  in  order  that  they  may  conceal  the  naked 
stems  of  the  others.  Generally,  when  shrubs  are  planted, 
they  are  small ;  therefore,  to  have  a  good  effect  from  the  be 
ginning,  they  should  be  planted  closer  than  they  are  intended 
to  stand.  When  they  have  grown  a  few  years,  and  interfere 
with  each  other,  they  can  be  lifted,  and  such  as  have  died, 
or  become  sickly,  replaced,  and  the  remainder  can  be  planted 
m  some  other  direction.  Keep  them  always  distinct,  one 
from  another,  in  order  that  they  may  be  the  better  shown 
off.     But,  if   it  is  not  desired  that  they  should  be   more 


Feb."]  OF   PLANTING    SHRUBS,    ETC.  21 

thickly  planted  than  it  is  intended  to  let  them  remain,  the 
small-growing  kinds  maybe  six  or  eight  feet  apart;  the  larger, 
or  taller  sorts,  ten 'to  twenty  feet,  according  to  the  condition 
of  the  soil. 

Thick  masses  of  shrubbery,  called  thickets,  are  sometimes 
wanted.  In  these  there  should  be  plenty  of  evergreens.  A 
mass  of  deciduous  shrubs  has  no  imposing  effect  during 
winter;  and,  as  this  is  not  the  proper  season  for  planting 
evergreens  (April,  and  the  end  of  September,  or  first  of 
October  being  best),  small  stakes  can  be  placed  in  the  des- 
tined spot.  Planting  in  rows,  or  in  any  plan  of  a  formal 
character,  should,  at  all  times,  be  avoided. 

In  planting  at  this  season,  observe  that  the  roots  are  not 
much  exposed  to  the  air,  especially  if  the  wind  be  high  and 
sharp;  but  it  is  always  better,  if  possible,  to  defer  the  busi- 
ness until  good,  mild  weather.  According  to  directions  in 
November,  the  ground  will  be  well  prepared,  and  only  re- 
quires a  hole  dug  for  the  reception  of  the  roots,  which  must 
be  considerably  larger,  that  the  roots  may  not  be  in  the  least 
confined.  Break  the  earth  well  at  bottom,  put  in  as  much 
as  will  receive  the  plant  from  one  to  two  inches  (according 
to  its  size)  lower  than  it  has  previously  been  in  the  Nursery. 
If  any  of  the  roots  are  bruised  or  broken,  cut  them  off; 
then  place  the  plant  in  the  centre  of  the  hole,  breaking  fine 
all  the  soil  that  is  put  in,  at  the  same  time  shaking  the  stem 
a  little,  that  the  earth  may  mix  with  the  roots;  when  full 
up,  press  all  the  soil  down  with  the  foot,  that  it  may,  in  some 
degree,  consolidate  about  the  roots,  and  support  the  plant. 
Tall  plants  should  have  a  good  stake  for  support,  and  place 
a  small  bandage  between  the  stake  and  stem  of  the  shrub  or 
tree,  where  the  tie  is  made,  to  prevent  the  bark  from  suffer- 
ing by  friction.  Observe,  always,  before  planting,  if  the 
soil  is  not  suitable,  to  supply  that  which  is  congenial  to  the 
nature  of  the  intended  plant.  When  shrubs  or  trees  are  to 
be  carried  to  any  distance,  the  roots  should  be  carefully  kept 
from  air,  by  tying  damp  moss,  straw,  or  mats  about  them,  as 
circumstances  will  admit :  the  success,  in  part,  depends  on 
due  attention  being  paid  to  prevent  the  roots  drying  bcf  ire 
planting.  Although  we  have  given  the  above  directions  for 
planting  in  this  month,  it  will  frequently  occur  that  they 
can  only  be  put  into  practice  during  the  next,  as  this  month 
is  often  the  severest  of  the  season. 


28  OP    HYACINTH   AND    OTHER   BULBS.  iMarch. 


OF    HYACINTH   AND    OTHER   BULBS. 

Towards  the  end  of  the  month,  if  the  weather  proves 
favourable,  the  covering  should  be  partly  taken  off  from  the 
Hyacinths,  Tulips,  and  other  bulbous  roots.  It  sometimes 
occurs  that,  by  careless  planting  in  the  autumn,  they  are 
thrown  above  ground  by  the  frost,  especially  if  the  ground 
is  inclined  to  moisture,  and  they  not  being  deep  enough 
planted ;  if  such  is  the  case,  cover  them  with  decayed  leaves, 
old  tan,  or  soil,  whichever  is  most  convenient;  if  not  done, 
the  sun  and  air  will  overpower  the  bulbs,  and  although  the 
fibres  have  hold  of  the  ground,  the  flowers  will  be  miserably 
weak. 


MARCH. 


As  soon  as  the  frost  is  entirely  gone,  uncover  all  plants 
or  shrubs  that  have  been  protected,  preserving  carefully  such 
of  the  materials  as  will  answer  the  same  purpose  next  sea- 
son. Cut  off  all  decayed  shoots,  or  such  as  have  been  hurt 
by  the  frost.  The  Lagerstroemias  will  flower  in  greater  per- 
fection, if  they  are  pruned  closely ;  that  is,  cut  the  shoots 
of  last  year  to  within  two  or  three  eyes  of  the  wood  of  the 
previous  year,  at  the  same  time  having  regard  to  the  regular 
and  natural  shape  of  the  bush.  Cut  off  the  injured  foliage 
of  any  of  the  evergreens  that  have  suffered  by  the  severity 
of  the  winter,  but  leave  every  green  part  which  is  essential 
to  the  support  of  this  kind  of  plants.  It  is  expected  that 
all  pruning  of  the  shrubbery  is  finished  ;  if  not,  get  all  ex- 
peditiously done  according  to  directions  given  in  the  preced- 
ing months.  All  work  that  can  be  done  in  this  month 
should  not  be  delayed,  such  as  hoeing,  digging,  raking,  and 
clearine  away  all  leaves  and  litter  of  every  description  that 
have  Deen  brought  or  blown  into  the  garden  during  autumn 
or  winter. 


Marchl  OF  FRAMING  29 


OF    FRAMING. 

Where  it  is  desired  to  have  the  more  showy  annuals  early 
in  bloom,  it  is  necessary  to  prepare  a  hot-bed  frame,  for  the 
purpose  of  bringing  them  forward.  It  is  time,  about  the 
first  of  the  month,  to  collect  and  prepare  manure  for  the  de- 
sired hot-bed;  and,  as  that  operation,  in  many  instances,  is 
very  imperfectly  performed,  a  few  observations  on  the  subject 
may  be  useful. 

Take  three  parts  of  fresh  hot  stable  manure,  with  one 
part  of  fresh  oak  leaves.  Have  a  sufficient  quantity  to  make 
the  intended  bed,  or  beds,  from  three  to  four  feet  high. 
Shake  and  mix  up  both  together  in  a  compact,  conical  heap, 
in  order  to  encourage  fermentation.  If  the  weather  is  cold 
and  windy,  cover  it  with  straw  or  leaves  and  boards,  which 
is  necessary  to  produce  the  desired  effect.  If  fermentation 
soon  takes  place,  it  will  need  to  be  thoroughly  turned  over 
in  eight  or  ten  days.  If  any  of  it  has  become  dry  and  musty 
from  excessive  heat,  as  you  proceed,  water  the  affected  parts, 
pile  all  up  neatly,  and  leave  it  protected  in  part  as  before. 
In  five  or  six  days  more,  it  will  have  to  be  turned  again,  re- 
peating it  until  the  first  extreme  heat  has  been  over.  In 
neglect  of  this,  the  heat,  after  making  up  the  bed,  will  be 
vehement  for  a  week  or  two,  frequently  destroying  the  vege- 
tative purity  of  the  soil,  and  proving  destructive  to  the  seeds. 

Allowing  the  manure  to  come  to  a  lively  heat,  having  no 
unpleasant,  rancid  smell,  proceed  to  mark  off  your  intended 
bed,  running  it  east  and  west,  as  nearly  as  possible,  measure 
your  frame,  and  allow  the  site  of  the  bed  eight  inches,  each 
way,  larger  than  the  frame  :  at  the  corners,  place  a  stick  or 
rod  perpendicularly.  The  ground  ought  to  be  higher  than 
that  around  it,  to  prevent  water  from  getting  into  the  bed, 
which,  if  low,  must  be  filled  up ;  or,  if  supposed  that  water 
may  lodge  there,  a  little  brushwood  might  be  put  under  the 
manure,  which  would  keep  it  from  being  inundated.  The 
manure  must  be  built  up  square  and  level,  shaking,  mixing 
and  beating  it  regularly  with  the  back  of  the  fork.  When 
you  have  it  to  the  desired  height  (from  two  to  three  feet 
will  be  sufficient  for  annuals),  leave  the  centre  of  the  bed  a 
little  higher  than  the  sides,  thus  allowing  it  more  to  subside. 
When  finished,  put  on  the  frame  and  sash,  or  sashes,  keep 
3* 


30  LIST   OF   CEOICE   ANNUALS,    ETC.  [J/arc/i. 

them  close  until  the  heat  arises,  covering  them  at  night  with 
mats  or  shutters.  As  soon  as  jou  feel  the  heat  increased, 
give  air  bj  tilting  the  sashes  a  few  inches,  to  let  off  the 
steam  and  stagnated  air,  observing  to  close  in  the  afternoon, 
and  cover  at  night.  If  the  heat  is  violent,  about  half  an 
inch  of  air  might  be  left  during  the  night.  In  about  three 
days,  if  all  has  been  properly  attended  to,  the  bed  will  be 
what  is  termed  sweet.  Then  put  in  about  six  inches  of  fine 
garden  soil ;  if  heavy,  mix  a  little  sand  with  it.  Spread  it 
level,  and,  when  the  soil  is  heated  through,  sow  in  small 
drills,  from  one-eighth  to  an  inch  deep,  according  to  the  size 
of  the  seeds ;  cover  with  very  fine  sifted  soil.  Some  very 
small  kinds  do  best  when  sown  upon  the  surface.  When 
sown,  give  gentle  sprinklings  of  water  until  they  come  up, 
when  it  will  be  necessary  to  give  air  freely  during  the  day, 
to  prevent  them  from  being  weak,  or  damping  off,  which 
many  of  them  will  do  if  they  have  not  air  regularly  admitted. 


A    LIST     OF    CHOICE    FLOWERING   ANNUALS    ADAPTED    FOR 
SOWING    ON    A    HOT-BED. 

Alyssum  calycina,  white,  fragrant. 
Argeratum  Mexicanum,  blue-flowered  Argeratum. 
Asclepias  curassavica,  swallow  wort,  orange  and  red-flowered 
Aster  Chinensis,  China  Aster,  or  Queen  Margarets,  in  great 

variety.     The  late  imported  German  and  Italian  Astera 

are  of  extraordinary  beauty. 
Balsamina    hortensis.     Balsam,     commonly     called     Ladies' 

Slipper. 
Browallia  alata,  upright  blue  and  white  Browallia. 
Cacalia  coccinea,  scarlet  Cacalia,  or  Venus'  Paint  Brush. 

sonchifolia,  orange  Cacalia. 

Calandrinia  discolor,  rosy  purple,  very  pretty. 

Celosia  cristata.  Coxcomb,  two  varieties,  red  and  yellow. 

Centaurea  Americana,  Aruerican  Sultan. 

' suaveolens,  yellow  and  sweet  Sultan. 

Clarkia  elegans,  elegant  rose-coloured  Clarkia. 

pulchella,  showy  purple  Clarkia. 

' ■-  alba,  white-flowered  Clarkia. 

Cleome  grandiflora,  large  lilac-flowering  spider-plant, 
Clintonia  elegans,  elegant  blue  Clintonia. 


March.'\  LIST   OF   CHOICE    ANNUALS,    ETC.  31 

Collinsia  bicolor,  two-coloured  Collinsia. 

heterophylla,  lilac  and  wliite. 

Commelina  coelestis,  blue-flowering  Commelina. 

Diaathus  Chinensis,  China  pink,  many  fine  double  varieties. 

Gomphrena  globosa,  red  and  white  globe  Amaranthus. 

iloveyii,  orange-coloured. 

Hibiscus  manihot,  large  yellow  Hibiscus. 

Africanus  major,  buff  with  black  centre. 

Helichrysum  bracteatum,   )     -rr  n  i     ,• 

„      ''  J  7     •  7         y    Yellow  everlasting. 

Aernuthemuin  iuciaum,  j  ° 

T      1  1  C  Rose-coloured   flowers    like    the 

Lophospermumerubescens,)       d;  it^^s,   a   fine    climber   for 

'      (      arbours. 
T  1  f    •+•     I  Orange  red,  an  interesting   climbing  plant, 

Loasa  lateritia,  |      blooming  throughout  the  season. 
Malope  alba,  white-flowering  Malope. 

grandiflora,  large  red-flowering  Malope. 

Mathiola   annua,  all  the  varieties  of  ten  week  stocks  sliould 

be   industriously    cultivated,   and    seed  sown  also  in 

April  and  May  for  autumn  blooming. 
Maurandia  Barclayana,  blue-flowering,    '\  Climbing  plants  for 

semperflorens,  pink-flowering,  v     pillars,  trellises  or 

alba,  white,  )     arbours 

Mesembryanthemum. 

crystallinum,  Ice  plant. 

IMimosa  pudica,  Sensitive  plant. 

Mimulus,  ]\Ionkey  flower  of  sorts.     They  grow  best  in  moist 

half -shady   places,    are  very  pretty,    generally  bright 

colours  of  yellow  spotted  with  crimson  or  rose. 
Petunias  of  variety,  a   beautiful  genus  of   plants,   of   every 

variety  of  colour,  from   deep   purple   to  pure  white, 

blooming  from  June  till  frost;  the  seeds  are  small,  and 

require  to  be  very  lightly  covered. 
Phlox  Drummondii,  and  its  varieties  of  crimson,  rose,  lilac, 

and  white. 
Portulaca  splendens,  splendid  purple-flowered  Purslane 

Thorburnii,  yellow. 

• alba,  white. 

ek-gans,  crimson. 

Thellussonii,  red-flowered. 

Salpiglossis  picta,  atropurpurea,  &c.,  delight  in  a  cool  sitaa- 

tion. 


82  LIST   OF   CHOICE   ANNUALS,   ETC  \_March. 


Scbizanthus  retusus,  orange-coloured " 
Schizanthus, 

pinnatus,  calico  Schizan- 


Like  a  rich  soil,  and 
a  cool  and  partially 
shaded  situation. 


thus, 

And  a  few  other  varieties, 

Shortia  Californica,  yellow  Shortia,  very  profuse  flowering. 

Tagetes,  Marigold,  the  new  varieties  of  the  French  are 
very  pretty — they  like  rich  soil  and  plenty  of  mois- 
ture. 

Tropaeolum  aduncum,  Canary  bird  flower,  a  beautiful  climber. 

atrosanguineum,  crimson    Nastur^  ' 

tium,  Climbing 

Thunbergia  alata,  buff  with  black  centre,  )■     plants. 

alba,  white-flowered, 

aurantiaca,  fine  orange. 

Verbena,  a  lovely  family  of  pretty  procumbent  plants,  that 
bloom  from  June  till  frost — a  packet  of  seeds  will 
produce  every  colour  and  shade  from  white  to 
crimson. 

Vinca  rosea,  Madagascar  Periwinkle,  ~)  Thrive  best  in  a  warm, 

alba,  white-flowered  Pe-  >-      dry   situation,  with 

riwinkle.  i      rich  soil. 


Zmnia  elegans,  splendid  Zmnia,  ^  ^         ^^  -^  ^^^ 
coccmea,  scarlet,    1       g  ^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^ 

alba,  wnite,  ^^^^  supplied  with  water 

■ pauciflora,yellow,  J  ^-^ 


are 


Though  the  above  will  bloom  much  earlier  by  being  sown 
on  a  hot-bed,  yet  where  that  convenience  cannot  be  obtained, 
they  will  all  succeed  treated  as  hardy  annuals. 

After  sowing,  if  the  weather  be  clear,  the  sun  acting  on 
the  glass  will  produce  a  too  rapid  evaporation  of  the  mois- 
ture of  the  soil,  and  may  otherwise  affect  seeds  but  thinly 
covered,  which  must  be  guarded  against  by  shading  with 
mats  for  a  few  hours  during  bright  sunshine.  In  giving 
water,  it  ought  always  to  be  about  milk-warm,  and  passed 
through  a  fine  rose,  to  prevent  the  stems  being  broken  oi 
bruised.  Weeds  must  be  drawn  out  as  soon  as  they  ap 
pear 


March.2  jtardy  annuals. 


HARDY  ANNUALS. 

Many  annual  plants,  though  of  short  duration,  are  pos- 
sessed of  much  beauty  of  hue  and  elegance  of  form :  they 
are  farther  valuable  from  their  adaptation  in  filling  up  va- 
cant spots  through  the  flower-garden  or  parterre.  They  are, 
besides,  of  easy  culture,  many  requiring  nothing  more  than 
to  have  the  seeds  sown  in  the  spot  where  they  are  to  grow. 
The  first  sowing  may  take  place  about  the  end  of  the  month, 
when  the  ground  is  prepared  and  the  weather  fine ;  but  avoid 
it  at  all  times  when  the  ground  will  not  pulverize  properly. 
The  neatest  and  most  expeditious  method  is  to  take  a  rod 
about  one  foot  long  and  one  inch  in  diameter,  rounding  at 
the  end,  with  which  draw  a  circle  from  four  to  nine  inches 
in  diameter,  and  from  one-eighth  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  deep, 
according  to  the  size  of  the  seeds.  Many  very  small  seeds 
will  grow  best,  if  sown  on  the  surface  of  fine  mould.  "When 
sown,  cover  with  fine  mould,  placing  a  small  twig  or  tally, 
with  the  name,  in  the  centre  of  the  circle,  to  prevent  mistakes 
either  in  sowing,  planting,  or  hoeing.  When  they  have 
grown  from  one  to  two  inches,  the  first  moist  day  should  be 
taken  to  remove  such  as  are  too  crowded,  which  can  be  gene- 
rally transplanted  to  some  other  situation ;  taking  care  to 
shade  them  a  few  days  with  flower-pots,  or  some  other 
substitute.  A  few  kinds  do  best  with  removing,  such  as 
Balsams,  China  Asters,  Marigold,  ten  week  stocks.  Hibis- 
cus, Zinnias,  and  several  others  of  a  free-growing  and 
strong-wooded  nature.  Annuals  are  such  plants  as  grow 
from  seed,  flower  and  perfect  their  productions,  and  then  die 
within  one  year.  The  following  sorts  are  well  deserving  of 
culture : — 

Adonis  miuiata,  Flos  Adonis  or  Pheasant's  eye,  red. 
Amaranthus  caudatus,  Love  lies  Bleeding,  red  and  yellow 
variety. 

— bypochondriacus,  Prince's  Feather,  red. 

Amaranthus  tricolor ;  three-coloured  Amaranthus  should  be 
sown  on  ra*^her  poor  soil — on  rich  soil  it  has  littlo 
beauty. 
3* 


8-i  HARDY  ANNUALS.  iMarch. 

Brachycome  iberidifolia,  fine  dark  blue. 

Bi-ugmansia  \Va3'meria,  double-flowered,  large,  and  showy. 

Ceutaurea  moschata,  purple  sweet  Sultan. 

cretica,  white  sweet  Sultan. 

suaveolens,  yellow  sweet  Sultan. 

Collinsia  grandiflora,  blue  Collins'  flower. 

Convolvulus,  minor,  dwarf  blue  Bindweed. 

Calliopsis  bicolor,  formerly  Coreopsis  tinctoria,  or  Fair  Eye ; 
a  very  gay  plant,  and  flowers  best  when  sown  in 
October. 

Drummondii,  yellow  calliopsis. 

Crepis  rubra,  red  Hawkweed. 

aurea,  golden  Hawkweed. 

Delphinium  ajacis,  Rocket  Larkspur,  many  varieties,  all  su- 
perb, and  do  best  to  be  sown  in  rich  ground 
in  October. 

— ^ consolida,   branching  Larkspur,  various    colours. 

Euphorbia  variegata,  variegated  Euphorbia. 

Eschscholtzia  crocea,  Orange.     (Now  chryseis.^ 

Calfornica,  yellow. 

Erysimum  Perowfi"skyanum,  bright  orange. 

Gilia  tricolor,  three-coloured  Gilia, ") 

capitata,  blue-coloured,  >  Bloom  all  summer. 

Achill^efolia,  large  blue,  ) 

Heliophila  Araboides,  blue  sun  love,  very  pretty. 

Hieracium  mutabilis,  changeable  Hawkweed. 

Helianthus  Californicus,  suj^erb  double  dwarf  sunflower. 

Iberis  amara,  white  Candytuft. 

umbellata,  purple  Candytuft. 

violacea,  violet  Candytuft. 

odorata,  white  sweet-scented  Candytuft. 

Ipomcea  Cjuamoclit,  Cypress  vine,  the  seed  will  grow  freely, 
if  soaked  two  or  three  hours  in  hot  water. 

alba,  white. 

Lathyrus  odoratus,  sweet  Pea,  of  many  varieties. 

Leptosiphon  densiflorus,  dense-flowered  Leptosiphon. 

Loasa  lateritia,  orange-coloured  Loasa,  a  climbing  plant. 

Luoinus,  many  varieties  ;    they  require  to  be  partially  shaded 

from  hot  suns. 
Malope  grandiflora,  scarlet  Malope. 

alba,  white. 


Sfarch.}  BOX    EDGINGS.  35 

Mirabilis  jalapa,  marvel  of  Peru,  many  varieties.  If  the 
roots  of  this  plant  are  lifted  in  October,  and  placed 
in  a  dry  cellar,  free  from  frost,  and  planted  out  next 
April,  they  will  bloom  much  finer. 

Nemophila  iusignis,  or  blue  Grove  Love,  a  pretty  dwarf 
plant,  requiring  rich  soil  and  a  half-shaded 
situation. 

■ atomaria,  white  with  black  spots. 

maculata,  spotted,  healitiful. 

Nigella  Damacene,  Love  in  a  mist. 

Hispanica,  Spanish,  blue  and  b/own. 

ffiaothera,  or  tree  Primrose ;  many  varieties  of  the  annual 
species  produce  their  flowers  in  much  greater  perfec- 
tion, if  planted  or  sown  in  poor  soil.  To  this,  a7isi- 
loha,  sinuata,  and  tctrajytera  are  exceptions,  as  they 
flower  the  finest  in  a  rich,  light  loam. 

Papaver  Marseillii,  double  white  poppy,  edged  with  red. 

gigantea,  large  Dutch  poppy. 

Phlox  Drumniondii,  many  colours ;  a  superb  article,  and 
blooms  from  May  till  October.  In  dry  situations,  it 
is  apt  to  die  ofi'  unless  partially  shaded. 

Reseda  odorata,  Mignonette;  to  have  it  in  perfection  the 
whole  season,  there  should  be  a  sowing  in  May  and 
July.     It  delights  in  a  rich,  loamy  soil. 

Tourncfortia  heliotropoides,  summer  Heliotrope. 

Viscaria  oculata,  violet  viscaria. 

A^'iola  tricolor.  Pansy  or  Heart's-ease,  require  very  rich  soil, 
and  should  be  shaded  from  hot  sun ;  if  sown  early  in 
the  season,  they  will  flower  profusely  in  the  autumn. 

For  other  varieties  of  Annuals,  see  list  adapted  for  hot-bed 
sowing.  \Ye  have  omitted  many  not  agreeing  with  our  cli- 
mate, or  those  very  common;  for  such,  we  refer  our  readers 
to  the  lists  published  annually  by  respectable  seedsmen. 


BOX   EDGINGS 

May  be  planted  any  time  this  month,  or  beginning  of 
next,  which  in  most  seasons  will  be  preferable.  We  will 
give  a  few  simple  directions  how  to  accomplish  the  work. 
In  the   first  place,   dig  over  the  ground   decjily  where    the 


36  GRASS   AND   OTHER   EDGINGS.  [March. 

edging  is  intended  to  be  planted,  breaking  the  soil  fine,  ana 
keeping  it  to  a  proper  height,  namely,  about  one  inch  higher 
than  the  side  of  the  walk  j  but  the  taste  of  the  operator  will 
best  decide,  according  to  the  situation.  Rake  the  surface 
even,  and  tread  it  down  with  the  feet,  or  beat  it  with  the 
spade.  Where  it  gives  most,  continue  to  add,  keeping  the 
surface  at  the  desired  height.  If  the  edging  is  to  be  in  a 
direct  line,  either  on  a  level  or  inclined  plane,  you  may  be 
correctly  and  simply  regulated  by  making  the  desired  level 
at  each  end  of  the  line.  Take  three  rods,  about  four  feet 
long  each,  having  a  piece  of  one  foot  to  cross  at  one  end,  two 
of  these  pieces  painted  black,  the  other  white.  Have  a  black 
one  at  each  end  of  the  line  on  the  level ;  take  the  white  one  for 
the  centre,  going  along  the  line,  and,  about  every  twenty  feet, 
level  a  spot  to  the  exact  height,  which  will  be  seen  by  look- 
ing over  the  top  of  the  rods  from  one  end.  Having  found 
the  level,  drive  in  a  peg  to  it,  so  that  no  mistake  may  occur; 
beat  and  level  between  them,  leaving  a  smooth  surface. 
This  being  done,  strain  the  line,  and  with  the  spade  proceed 
to  cut  out  the  trench  perpendicularly  on  the  side  next  the 
walk,  six,  eight,  ten,  or  twelve  inches  deep,  according  to  the 
length  of  the  plants.  Afterwards  take  the  plants,  and  cut 
the  tops  even,  with  the  knife  or  shears,  at  the  same  time 
shortening  the  roots.  Then  with  the  left  hand  next  the  line, 
plant  forward,  keeping  the  tops  of  the  plants  level,  and  from 
one  to  two  inches  above  ground,  keeping  the  plants  close, 
according  to  the  required  thickness.  Put  in  the  earth  as  you 
proceed,  and  tread  it  firm,  then  rake  the  surface  even,  and 
with  the  spade  beat  it  smooth.  If  the  weather  sets  in  very 
dry,  the  box  will  be  the  better  of  a  few  waterings.  Some- 
times boxwood  is  planted  without  roots,  but  it  seldom  gives 
satisfaction,  not  growing  equally. 


GRASS  AND  OTHER  EDGINGS. 

Grass  verges  for  walks  and  borders,  although  frequently 
used,  are  by  no  means  desirable,  except  where  variety  is  re- 
quired; they  are  the  most  laborious  to  keep  in  order,  and 
at  best  are  inelegant,  and  the  only  object  in  their  favour  is 
their  being  everywhere  accessible.  Iris  humilis,  Viola  tri- 
color, thyme,    Sea    Pink    (Stattice  Armeyia),    Mignonette, 


March.^  hardy  biennials.  37 

Phlox  subulata,  and  Plox  procuinbens,  all  make  tolerable 
edgings.  In  the  Southern  States,  Euonymus  Japonica,  kept 
closely  sheared^  will  make  a  very  handsome  green  edging. 


HARDY   BIENNIALS. 

Biennial  plants  are  such  as  are  of  two  years'  duration. 
Being  sown  this  year,  they  flower,  seed,  or  fruit  next  year, 
and  soon  after  decay  :  the  seeds  should  be  sown  about  the 
end  of  this  month  or  beginning  of  next,  either  in  the  spot 
where  they  are  to  remain  or  a  compartment  by  themselves, 
regularly  marked,  and  to  be  transplanted  in  May  or  Septem- 
ber. When  they  appear  above  ground,  thin  them  out  dis- 
tinctly, that,  when  they  are  to  be  removed,  a  little  earth  may 
adhere  to  them  :  and  if  sown  where  they  are  to  stand,  leave 
only  three  or  four  plants  in  each  patch.  The  following  list 
are  a  few  of  the  free-blooming  and  more  elegant  sorts  : — 

Agrostemma  coronaria.  Rose  Campion,  blooms  all  summer. 
Althea  rosea.  Hollyhock,  and  all  its  varieties,  very  showy  in 

July  and  August.     When  any  very  desirable  variety 

is  procured,  it  can  be  multiplied  by  dividing  the  root. 
Antirrhinum  majus,  Snap-dragon,  and  its  varieties,  require 

to   be  protected  during  winter  with  a  few  leaves  or 

litter. 
Cantua   coronopifolia,    flowers    in    August    and    September, 

beautiful  scarlet,  delights  in  dry  gravelly  soil. 

Ipomopsis  elegans. 
Campanula   media,    dark   blue    Canterbury^ 

bell, 
Campanula  media,  semi-pleno,  half  double  I  Bloom  in  June 

Canterbury  bell,  [      and  July. 

Campanula  media,  alba,  white  Canterbury 

bell,  _  j 

Campanula  thyrsoides. 
Cheiranthus  cheiri.  Wall-flower,  should  be  protected  by  leaves 

or  boards  during  winter. 
Digitalis  purpurea,  purple  Foxglove. 

alba,  white  Foxglove. 

Digitalis  guttata,  spotted  Foxglove. 
Dianthus  barbatus.  Swe:t  William,  p;uk, 
4 


38                                          PERENNIALS.  \_March 

Dianttus  barbatns,  coccineus,  crimson  pink. 

■ fl.  pi.   double-flowered :  the   double  sorts 

can  be  propagated  by  laying,  same  as 
carnations. 

Grerardia  purpurea,  purple  Gerardia.  '\    Natives  of 

flava,  yellow  Gerardia,  y      this  coun- 


—  quercifolia,  spotted-flowered  Gerardia,  )       try. 


Hcdysarium  coronarium,  red-flowered  French  Honeysuckle. 

Humea  elegans,  scarlet  Humea,  flowers  in  June  and  Sep- 
tember. 

Lunaria  biennis,  Honesty,  various  colours ;  not  beautiful,  but 
curious  in  seed. 

(Enothera  corymbosa,  dwarf  Evening  Primrose. 

Papaver  nudicaule,  naked-stemmed  yellow  Poppy. 

Scabiosa  atropurpurea,  musk-scented  Scabious. 

Silene  multiflora,  many-flowered  Catch-fly. 

There  might  be  many  other  beautiful  biennial  plants  enu- 
merated, which  are  justly  considered  worthy  of  attention  j 
but  most  of  them  do  not  withstand  the  severity  of  our  win- 
ters, although  very  much  prized  in'England. 


PERENNIALS. 

In  every  flower-garden,  there  ought  to  be  a  good  selection 
of  these  plants.  They  are  lasting  ornaments ;  and,  when 
judiciously  selected,  will  give  yearly  gratification.  In  mak- 
ing a  choice,  a  view  should  be  to  have  those  that  flower 
abundantly,  are  of  free  growth,  beauty,  and  continuation  of 
bloom.  It  would  go  beyond  our  limits  to  give  an  extensive 
description  of  any,  but  a  few  remarks  on  some  of  the  finest, 
with  their  names,  are  indispensable. 

Adonis  verndlis  is  a  fine  border-flower,  and  will  grow  in 
any  common  soil ;  flowers  large,  yellow-rayed,  having  in  the 
rays  about  twelve  petals;  leaves  much  divided;  blooms  in 
April  and  May. 

Anemone,  Wind-flower.  Several  fine  species,  with  flowers 
from  one  to  three  inches  in  diameter,  very  celebrated  in  Eu- 
rope, though  succeeding  poorly  with  us  except  in  cool  lati- 
tudes. A.  alpina,  large  white.  A.  japonica,  rosy  purple. 
A.,  palmata  Jlbre-pUno   yellow;  A.  stelldta  Jjerstco/o;-,  various 


March.]  PERENNIALS.  39 

coloured;  A.  pavomna  fibre-pUno,  scarlet;  A.  narcissi-Jlbra, 
white.     Any  of  these  are  very  desirable, 

Antirrhinums,  Snap-dragon.  All  the  varieties  of  A. 
majus  are  esteemed  in  the  flower-borders;  the  pure  white, 
bright  red,  rich  crimson,  and  variegated,  are  very  showy.  A 
few  of  the  species,  A.  mdlle  and  A.  siculum,  where  there  is 
variety  required,  deserve  a  situation.  The  flowers  are  all 
large,  and  similar  to  the  snout  of  an  animal. 

Anthericum  lilidstrum,  St.  Burnos  Lily,  is  an  excellent 
liliaceous  plant,  with  orange-yellow  flowers,  blooming  in  June, 
July,  and  August  and  will  grow  in  any  common  garden 
soil. 

AscUpias.  The  finest  of  thia  genus  are  native  plants, 
and  are  highly  esteemed  in  Europe,  but  frequently  rejected 
with  us,  because  ''they  are  wild  plants."  A.  tuherusa  has 
beautiful  orange  flowers,  and  delights  in  dry  situations.  A. 
rubra,  A.  nevia,  A.  furpurdscens,  and  A.  incarndta  are 
the  finest  of  the  family.  It  is  best  to  plant  A.  tuherusa  in 
October. 

Aconitiims,  Wolfsbane,  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
distinct  species,  with  several  varieties.  Many  of  them  are 
of  consequence  and  beauty;  the  flower-stems  rise  from  one 
and  a  half  to  six  feet  upright,  and  strong,  furnished  with 
many  palmate  and  digitate  leaves,  terminated  by  spikes  of 
blue,  yellow,  or  white  flowers,  similar  to  a  hood;  hence  the 
name  of  Monk's  hood  is  often  applied  to  them.  They  are 
scarce  in  collections ;  but,  in  a  few  years,  we  have  no  doubt 
but  many  of  them  will  be  plentiful.  The  finest  species  are 
A.  sjjecidsum,  A.  sieholdii,  large  dark  blue,  A.  pyrcnaiacum, 
branching  blue,  A.  napellus,  A.  venustuvi,  A.  p)yramidule, 
A.  Ji/cdlonvm,  A.  versicolor,  or  variegatum,  and  A.  grandi- 
Jiorura.  They  flower  from  May  to  September,  and  will  grow 
in  any  common  garden  soil.  The  roots  of  A.  nap6Uns  are 
like  small  turnips,  and  are  poisonous.  They  like  a  little  shado 
and  rich  soil. 

Bellis  perennis  hortinsis,  Daisy.  We  might  almost  say 
with  another,  "Everyone  knows  the  Daisy."  It  is  named 
from  being  pretty,  and  is  perfectly  hardy,  though  generally 
kept  under  cover.  They  delight  to  have  a  shaded  situation 
during  summer,  to  protect  them  from  the  sun,  which,  as  it 
were,  scorches  the  roots.  There  are  many  double  varieties  in 
the  gardens,  which  flower  early.     The  one  called   Crvicn  ov 


40  PERENNIALS.  \_Marc7i. 

Carnation  Daisy  is  twice  the  size  of  the  common  varieties, 
and  has  white  and  red  petals  alternately  and  very  double. 
The  Belgian  varieties  are  very  numerous,  but  few  of  them  are 
equal  to  our  old  sorts.  Loamy  soil,  inclined  to  moisture,  is 
best  adapted  to  their  growth. 

Campanula.  This  genus  affords  very  many  ornamental 
plants  for  the  Flower-garden  and  Shrubbery,  and  they  fiower 
superbly  during  the  summer,  agreeing  better  with  our  climate 
than  with  that  of  Europe.  Many  have  two  successions  of 
flowers,  C.  persicifdlia  alba  plena ;  G.  persicifblia  cceridea 
pUno;  C.  urticifolia,  white.  Of  this  last  there  is  also  a 
double  variety.  C.  nohilis,  large  pale  lilac,  spotted  with  crim- 
son; C.  Jio&z7is  a?6a,  white,  spotted  with  crimson;  C.  grand  is, 
fine  bright  blue.  C.  speciosa;  C  glomerata ;  C.  versicolor, 
with  several  others,  are  worthy  of  a  situation  in  every  garden. 
Their  roots  are  strong,  fleshy,  and  fibrous.  They  are  easy  of 
culture,  and  will  retain  their  situation  in  the  severest  of  our 
winters.  C.  grandiflbra  is  now  Wahlinhergia  grandijibra. 
It  has  superb  large  blue  flowers,  stems  are  slender,  and  require 
support. 

Cheirdntlius  Gheiri  vulgaris  is  the  common  garden  Wall- 
flower. There  are  about  ten  varieties  of  it,  all  admired  for 
their  various  colours  and  agreeable  odour.  The  common 
variety  survives  the  mildest  of  our  winters.  The  most 
esteemed  variety  is  li(xmdnthus,  Double  bloody.  They  should 
all  be  protected  by  a  frame.  G.  mutdhilis  is  a  beautiful  species; 
it  has  many  shades  of  colour,  from  lilac  to  dark  purple.  The 
flowers  are  on  extending  racemose  spikes,  blooming  from  April 
to  June;  it  requires  a  light  rich  soil;  is  a  half-shrubby  ever- 
green plant. 

CMlone.  This  genus  belongs  entirely  to  this  continent, 
and  possesses  many  fine  species.  It  is  a  matter  of  astonish- 
ment that  they  are  not  more  cultivated  and  sought  for  in  our 
collections.  C.  glabra;  G.  obliqua;  C.  barbdta;  G.  atro- 
purparea ;  C .  pxdcliella ;  and  G.  specibsa',  are  all  handsome, 
and  flower  from  May  to  September ;  corolla  large,  ringent, 
ventricose;  flowers  in  spikes  or  panicles. 

Ghrysdntliemums.  The  Chinese  Chrysanthemum  was  first 
introduced  to  the  garden  of  the  King  of  France  about  sixty 
years  ago,  and  shortly  after  about  ten  varieties  were  sent  from 
Canton  to  England,  a  gardener  having  been  sent  out  expressly 
for  them,  so  much  were  they  admired  by  Sir  Abraham  Hume 


March.]  PERENNIALS.  41 

There  are  now  over  two  hundred  varieties,  far  excelling  the 
old  sorts,  and  even  surpassing  the  critical  anticipations  of  the 
most  ardent  connoisseurs.  A  ftew  years  ago  we  would  have 
been  satisfied  with  a  good  dozen,  but  now  four  times  that 
number  will  not  embrace  all  their  beauties  which  have  origi- 
nated in  France,  England,  and  the  United  States.  The  follow- 
ing list  we  can  admit  as  now  unrivalled : 

Large  Flowered. 

Annie  Salter,  fine  yellow. 
Baron  de  Solomon,  rosy  crimson. 
Defiance,  lemon  yellow. 
Julia  Langdale,  rosy  purple. 
Liencour,  lilac  and  orange. 
Magnificent,  blush. 
Mrs.  Cope,  dark  crimson  purple. 
President  de  Abbeville,  crimson. 
Queen,  early  blush. 
Racine,  straw  tipped  with  bronze. 
Sphinx,  bright  claret. 
William  Penn,  creamy  white. 
White  Perfection,  pure  white. 

Pompone  or  Lilliputian  Flowered. 

Cybelle,  amber  and  gold. 

Harriet  Lebois,  rosy  carmine. 

Hendersonii,  fine  early  yellow. 

Henriette  Chauviere,  blush. 

La  Fiance,  white. 

La  Gitana,  blush  pink. 

Larty,  rosy  crimson. 

Mignonette,  rose. 

Paquerette,  white  shaded  crimson. 

Sacramento,  dark  yellow  red  centime. 

Triomph  de  Bordeux,  shaded  blush. 

Vartigene,  crimson. 

To  grow  these  in  perfection,  they  require  rich  light  soil ; 
and  about  the  end  of  this   month  the   roots   should  be  lift- 
ed,   divided,   and   planted  into   fresh  soil,  either   by  giving 
4.  * 


42  PERENNIALS.  [i/arc/t. 

them  a  new  situation,  or  changing  the  earth  they  wei-e  in 
Two  or  three  stems  together  are  quite  sufficient.  The 
flowers,  by  the  above  treatment,  will  be  much  larger,  more 
double,  and  finer  in  colour  ;  where  they  are  wanted  to  grow 
low  and  bushy,  top  them  in  June,  but  not  later  than  the 
first  of  July.  Where  the  soil  is  rich,  and  the  plant  having 
only  one  stem,  by  topping  it,  makes  a  beautiful  bush.  They 
are  in  flower  from  the  first  of  October  until  severe  frost ; 
thus  beautifying  our  gardens  at  a  season  when  they  would 
be  destitute  of  one  single  attraction.  If  the  season  be  dry, 
to  water  them  with  liquid  manure  will  add  to  their  vigour. 
They  are  all  natives  of  China,  and  greatly  esteemed  by  the 
Chinese,  who  only  allow  a  few  blooms  to  come  out  on  the 
top  of  each  stem,  thereby  having  the  flowers  much  finer. 

Clematis,  Virgin's-bower.  A  few  species  are  good  herba- 
ceous plants,  of  upright  growth  and  blue  flowers,  C.  intcgri- 
fblia ;  C.  angustifblia ;  and  0.  erecta ;  they  grow  best  in 
light  soil. 

Coreopsis,  chiefly  native  plants,  and  free-flowering  ;  colour 
principally  yellow ;  flowers  rayed.  C.  tenuifdlia,  C.  verii- 
cilldta,  C.  discolor,  and  C.  iripteris,  are  the  finest  of  the  genus, 
and  will  grow  in  any  common  garden  soil. 

Delpjhiniuvis.  There  are  some  showy  border  flowers  of 
these,  of  strong  growth.  The  leaves  are  much  divided;  the 
flowers  in  terminal  spikes;  colour  blue,  purple,  pink,  white 
and  yellow,  with  various  shades.  D.  grandiflbrum,  and  its 
varieties,  are  the  best  of  the  genus.  D.  intermedium,  and 
its  varieties,  D.  elation,  Bee  Larkspur,  from  the  ringent 
part  of  the  flower  being  very  like  a  bee,  D.  Chinense,  dark 
blue,  D.  Barloioii,  large  bright  blue,  and  D.  monidrnim, 
are  good  varieties,  and  easily  cultivated.  When  the  plants 
become  large,  they  ought  to  be  divided,  and  planted  in  fresh 
soil.     They  are  in  bloom  from  May  to  September. 

Didnthiis.  Some  of  the  species  of  this  genus  are  the  most 
prominent  of  the  flower-garden,  not  only  for  their  beauty, 
but  also  their  fragrance,  which  is  peculiarly  grateful,  espociiilly 
in  the  well-known  and  celebrated  Pink  and  Carnation,  with 
the  Sweet  William,  which  was  esteemed  in  the  days  of  old 
''for  its  beauty  to  deck  up  the  bosoms  of  the  beautiful,  and 
garlands  and  crowns  for  pleasure."  The  finest  species  are 
D.  larbdtus  and  D.  harhutus  pleno,  Sweet  William ;  D. 
discolor ;     D.    ohinensis ;    J),    aljjimis  ;    D.     superhus  ;    D. 


March.']  perennials.  43 

carynphi/Il'iis,  from  which  have  origiuated  the  Picotee  and 
the  Carnation ;  D.  plumdrius,  from  which  originated  the 
Double  Pink.  Several  of  these,  although  they  will  stand 
the  severest  cold,  have  to  be  protected  in  frames  during 
winter,  to  have  them  in  the  perfection  of  beauty.  For  the 
character  of  a  Pink  and  Carnation,  see  Mai/. 

Dictdnmus.  Two  species  of  this  genus,  D.  fraxinella  and 
D.  dlbus,  have  been  cultivated  and  esteemed  upwards  of  two 
hundred  and  forty  years.  A  plant  of  the  first  of  these  spe- 
cies, when  gently  rubbed,  emits  an  odour  like  that  of  lemon- 
peel  ;  and  when  bruised  emits  a  balsamic  scent,  which  is 
strongest  in  the  pedicles  of  the  flowers.  They  have  glands 
of  a  rusty  colour,  that  exude  a  viscid  juice,  or  resin,  which 
exhales  in  vapour,  and  in  a  dark  place  may  be  seen  to  take 
fire.  Its  flowers  are  red,  those  of  the  other  white,  in  loose 
terminal  spikes ;  the  flower  has  five  petals,  clawed  and 
unequal,  with  glandular  dots ;  in  bloom  from  May  to  July ; 
delights  in  sandy  loam. 

Dodecdtheon.  This  is  a  native  genus,  and  commonly 
called  American  cowslip.  The  generic  term,  a  name  of  the 
Romans,  signifying  twelve  gods  or  divinities,  is  applied  with 
great  absurdity  to  a  plant,  a  native  of  a  world  the  Romans 
never  saw  nor  had  any  idea  of;  neither  resembling  in  any  par- 
ticular the  poetical  fancy  of  their  writers.  The  most  admired 
species  is  I),  media  ;  the  flowers  are  in  umbels,  on  a  pedicle, 
from  six  to  twelve  inches  high  ;  the  corolla  is  rotata  reflexa^ 
colour  light  purple,  bottom  of  petals  lake  and  yellow ;  bloom- 
ing in  May.  The  white  variety  is  very  much  esteemed,  and 
surpasses  the  preceding.  The  ground  is  pure  white,  the 
bottom  of  the  petals  the  same  as  the  other.  There  is  also 
a  spotted  variety  found  on  the  banks  of  the  Missouri.  They 
delight  in  brown  loam,  a  half  shady  situation,  inclining  to 
moisture.     The  foliage  soon  decays  after  flowering. 

Dracocejjhalum,  JDragon's  Head,  about  twenty  species, 
mostly  ornamental.  D.  virrjinicum  is  a  profuse  blooming 
plant,  with  bluish-pink  flowers,  and  grows  about  four  feet 
high.  D.  aryunense  is  a  superb  dwarf,  with  large  dark  blue 
flowers. 

Dieli/tra  spectahilis,  a  new  and  verjr  splendid  Fumwort  of 
dwarf  liabit,  with  a  profusion  of  large  delicately  shaded  pink 
flowers  during  June  and  July. 

Enpaidriums.       These    generally    are    native    plants,    not 


44  PERENNIALS.  iMarch. 

worthy  of  notice  here,  except  for  two  species.  U.  ccelesti- 
num  has  syngenesious  flowers  in  flattened  panicles,  colour 
fine  light  blue,  blooming  from  September  to  November ;  de- 
sirable for  its  beauty  at  that  season.  E.  ai-omdtlcum  may  be 
cultivated  for  its  spicy  odour ;  flowers  white,  in  loose  terminal 
panicles;  blooming  from  August  to  October.  Either  of  them 
will  grow  in  common  soil. 

Funkia,  Japan  Day  Lily,  three  species,  all  beautiful,  i^. 
coerulea,  with  blue  flowers,  i^.  japonica,  pure  white,  and  F. 
variegata,  with  striped  leaves  and  flowers.  F.  laurifolia, 
early  blue.     This  genus  has  been  separated  from  HemerocdUis. 

Gentidnas,  a  genus  of  very  showy  plants,  and  flower. in 
great  abundance.  The  flowers  are  tubular  and  inflated; 
colour  generally  blue.  A  few  species  are  yellow,  and  some 
white;  flowers  in  whorls,  terminal  or  solitary.  They  grow 
best  in  a  light  rich  soil.  G.  lutea,  G.  i^urpiirea,  G.  septem- 
fida.  G.  acaiilis  is  a  pretty  dwarf-growing  species,  the 
flower  dark  and  light  blue;  interior  of  the  corolla  spotted; 
has  a  succession  of  flowers  from  April  to  June.  These  are 
fine  exotics,  but  may  give  place  to  our  native  species,  such  as 
G.  Catesbcei ;  G.  ochroleuca ;  G.  incarndta;  with  several 
others, and  G.  crindta,  which  is  a  biennial,  and  finely  fringed; 
colovir  light  blue. 

Geum.  There  are  only  four  species  that  are  worth  culti- 
vation, namely,  G.  qu^Uyon,  once  G.  coccineum ;  G.  sjjlen- 
dens,  G.  Wicea,  and  G.  liyhridum.  G.  urhimum  is  some- 
times cultivated  for  its  roots,  which,  when  chewed,  sweeten 
the  breath.  They  are  all  of  easy  culture.  G.  quellyon  and 
splendens  flower  from  May  to  October,  and  are  very  desirable 
plants  for  the  borders,  and  much  esteemed  in  Europe. 

Hemerocdllisj  Day  Lily;  three  species,  H.  fuha,  H.  gra- 
minea,  and  H.  Sieholdii,  flower  well,  and  are  remarkable 
among  the  border  flowers  for  their  large  yellow  or  copper- 
coloured  corollas,  some  of  them  about  six  inches  in  diameter ; 
bloom  from  May  to  July,  and  will  grow  in  almost  any  soil 
There  is  a  plant  known  in  our  gardens  as  H.  coerMea,  which 
is  Funhia  coerulea,  and  has  a  campanulate  corolla,  with  a 
cylindrical  tube  ;  flowers  in  spikes  ;  leaves  ovate,  acixminate. 

Hibiscus.  There  are  several  herbaceous  species  very 
showy  and  handsome,  H.  palustris ;  H.  roseus ;  H.  militd- 
ris  ;  H.  specibsus  ;  H.  grandijlbrus ;  and  IT.  j^tingens.  They 
grow  best  in  moist  situations,  and  where  these  are  not  to  be 


March.']  PERENNIALS.  45 

had,  give  them  plenty  of  water,  and  plant  in  sandy  soil 
enriched  with  decayed  leaves.  The  flowers  are  about  six 
inches  in  diameter,  flowering  up  the  stem,  either  solitary  or 
m  small  bunches.  H.  specibsus  is  the  most  splendid,  and 
deserves  a  situation  in  every  garden.  The  roots  in  winter 
ought  to  be  covered  with  litter,  tan,  or  sawdust;  but  a 
better  method  is  to  lift  them,  and  put  them  in  the  cellar, 
covered  with  dry  earth,  and  kept  from  the  frost.  All  the 
above-mentioned  species  are  improved  by  being  protected 
during  winter. 

Iris,  Flower-de-lis,  has  many  fine  species  of  various  shades 
and  colours,  /.  suhijlora,  I.  nepaUnsis,  I.  PaUdsii,  I.  pallida, 
I.  cristdta,  I.  arcndria,  I.  furcdta,  I.  germdncia,  I.  Jloren- 
txna,  I.  verna,  and  /.  susidna.  The  last  is  the  finest  of  the 
herbaceous  species ;  the  flowers  are  very  large  and  curiously 
spotted  with  brown ;  it  stands  the  severest  of  our  winters 
unprotected.  The  root  of  /.  Jlorenthia  is  the  orris  root  of 
the  druggists.  They  are  all  of  easy  culture  in  any  loamy 
soil  inclining  to  moisture.  The  bulbous  species  will  be 
treated  of  in  September  or  October.  Corolla  six-petalled, 
three  erect  and  three  reclined  alternately ;  proceeding  from 
spathes  or  sheaths  with  flowers  in  succession. 

Liairis  is  a  genus  of  native  plants,  containing  sevei'al  fine 
species,  L.  squarrdsa,  large  purple  heads  of  beautiful  flowers ; 
L.  6legans  •  L.  pianiciildta.  L.  macrdstachya,  now  L.  spicdta, 
is  a  fine  large-growing  species.  They  have  syngenesious  pur- 
ple flowers  in  long  close  spikes,  diff"ering  from  other  spiked- 
flowering  genera  by  blooming  first  at  the  extremity.  They 
grow  best  in  strong  heavy  soil. 

Li/eknis.  Three  species  are  very  desirable  in  the  flower 
borders.  L.  chalceddnica  has  bright  scarlet-crowned  flowers; 
the  double  scarlet  variety  is  splendid ;  there  is  also  a  double 
white  variety ;  L.  fiilgens  and  L.  Jlds-jbvis.  They  ought  to 
be  frequently  lifted  and  planted  afresh,  or  they  will  dwindle 
to  nothing.  The  best  time  is  when  they  begin  to  grow. 
There  is  a  plant  known  in  our  collections  as  Lychnis  fids- 
cucidi,  ragged  Robin  or  French  Pink,  which  is  now  Agros- 
temma  Jlds-cucidi  ;  it  is  a  fine  and  showy  border  plant,  with 
double  red  flowers;  a  double  white  variety  of  it  has  been 
recently  introduced,  of  the  same  character,  with  the  additional 
quality  of  blooming  the  whole  season.  They  delight  in  a 
light  rich  soil. 
4* 


46  PERENNIALS,  I31arch. 

Lytlirums.  A  few  species  flower  well,  and  hav-e  small  pink 
blossoms  in  great  profusion,  L.  aldfum,  L.  virydfum,  L. 
diffusiim,  L.  roscum,  and  L.  lanceoldtum.  They  will  grow  in 
any  common  garden  soil  if  not  too  much  shaded  ;  and  flower 
from  June  to  September. 

jMimuIun,  Monkey-flower.  A  few  species  may  be  culti- 
vated. They  will  grow  in  any  soil  or  situation.  M.  luteus 
and  M.  rivuJdris  are  the  best.  M.  moschdtus  has  a  very 
strong  musk  scent,  to  many  agreeable.  The  former  two  have 
large  gaping  flowers,  of  a'  golden  yellow,  and  beautifully 
spotted  with  purple  in  the  interior;  they  all  grow  in  moist 
situations. 

Mondrdas,  a  fine  native  genus,  and  showy.  The  foliage  of 
several  of  the  species  is  aromatic,  and  resembles  mint.  M. 
dirlyma  has  long  scarlet  ringlet  flowers,  in  headed  whorls ; 
M.  halmiana,  flowers  very  long,  and  a  beautiful  crimson, 
with  fragrant  leaves.  31.  Russelliana  has  red  and  white 
flowers  ;  curious  and  handsome.  31.  punctata  has  yellow 
and  red  flowers  ;  they  grow  in  any  common  soil. 

3Iathiola  is  the  generic  of  the  Stock-gilly.  None  of  them 
will  survive  severe  winters  in  this  latitude ;  yet  many  of 
them  are  indispensable  in  the  flower-garden.  31.  simpli- 
cdtdis,  Erompton-stock,  and  its  varieties,  with  31.  incdna, 
Queen-stock,  and  its  vuiieties,  require  the  protection  of  a 
good  frame  in  winter ;  and  about  the  end  of  this  month,  or 
beginning  of  next,  plant  them  in  good,  light,  rich  soil  to 
flower,  which  they  will  do  all  summer,  if  attended  to  with 
frequent  supplies  of  water.  31.  annua  has  about  forty  varie- 
ties, valuable  for  flowering  the  first  year  from  seed,  and 
are  all  annuals.  They  ought  to  be  sown  on  a  gentle  hot-bed 
about  the  first  of  this  month,  and  carefully  picked  out  so  as 
they  may  be  ready  to  transplant  about  the  end  of  April  or 
the  first  of  Ma}'.  Plant  them  in  light,  rich  soil,  and  they 
will  flower  profusely  through  the  season  ;  if  it  is  very  dry, 
they  must  be  watered  to  keep  them  growing.  The  scarlet, 
white,  and  purple  varieties  are  the  finest ;  but  there  are 
many  intermediate  sorts,  all  handsome.  31.  (jldhra  is  the 
"W^all-flower  leaved  stock,  and  requires  the  same  treatment 
as  the  former  two.  There  are  about  twenty  varieties  of  this, 
all  various  in  colour.  In  planting  any  of  these  into  the  open 
ground,  choose  cloudy  weather,  except  they  have  been  in  pots; 


March.']  PERENNIALS.  47 

in  such  case,  plant  at  any  time  in  beds,  or  detached  groups, 
through  the  borders,  keeping  each  kind  separate. 

CEnotheras.  The  most  of  them  are  indigenous,  and  in 
Europe  they  aiFord  a  continual  ornament  to  the  flower-garden 
from  April  to  November;  but  in  our  gardens  they  are  entirely 
neglected.  By  rejecting  these  and  many  others,  our  flower- 
gardens  are  deprived  both  of  much  beauty  and  interest  they 
might  easily  possess.  The  herbaceous  sorts  delight  in  light, 
rich  soil.  (E.  odorata,  sweet-scented ;  (E.  macrocdrpa  ;  (E. 
media  :  (E.  latiflbra  ;  (E.  Frazeri ;  (E.  spcciosa  ;  (E.  mis- 
souriensis,  and  (E.  pallida  ;  are  all  fine,  native,  herbaceous 
plants,  mostly  with  large  yellow,  four-petalled  corollas;  in 
bloom  from  May  to  September. 

Phlox,  another  American  genus,  and  one  of  the  most 
handsome  in  cultivation.  It  consists  of  elegant  border  flow- 
ers, valuable  for  flowering  early,  and  during  the  whole  sea- 
son, even  till  frost.  While  the  majority  of  plants  blooming 
late  in  the  season  are  generally  syngenesious,  with  yellow 
flowers,  these  delight  us  with  their  lively  colours  of  purple, 
red,  white,  and  striped.  A  collection  of  them,  properly 
attended  to,  would  of  themselves  constitute  a  beautiful  fl(jwer- 
garden.  It  will  be  diflicult  to  state  which  are  the  finest ;  but 
the  following  are  select  varieties  :  Antagonist,  white  ;  aiha 
l-ermosine,  white  pink  tube;  Astrea,  marbled  white  and  lilac; 
Comtesse  de  Chamhord,  white  carmine  eye;  Deprcssa,  rose; 
Madam  Auhin,  lilac  and  white  ;  Madam  Henderson,  change- 
able white,  violet,  or  striped  ;  Mrs.  Barton,  pure  white,  large 
flower,  fine  habit;  Niobe,  shaded  lilac;  speciosa,  tall  crimson; 
stolon i/era,  bluish  lilac;  snbuldfa,  pink  dark  eye,  creeping; 
The  Standard,  bright  red;  Van  IlurUtii,  striped.  In  the 
spring  of  1831,  an  eminent  British  collector*  exclaimed,  on 
seeing  a  patch  of  P.  suhuldfa  in  one  of  the  pine  barrens  of 
New  Jersey,  ''  The  beauty  of  that  alone  is  worth  coming  to 
America  to  see ;  it  is  so  splendid."  Most  of  the  species  de- 
light in  a  rich,  light,  sandy  loam.  "When  the  plants  become 
large,  *hey  ought  to  be  divided,  and  planted  in  fresh  grou-jd. 

Primidas,  Primrose.  To  this  genus  belong  the  celebrated 
Cowslip,  Oxslip,  Primrose,  and  the  esteemed  Aurictda. 
The  double  varieties  of  Primrose  have  originated  from  P 
vulgaris.     These  are  such  as  carry  their  flowers  on  separate 


DIrisicf 


48  PERENNIALS.  [iforrc/t. 

pedicles,  rising  from  the  root  on  a  small  stem.  The  double 
varieties  are  desirable  for  their  beauty,  but  require  the  pro- 
tection of  a  frame  during  winter.  They  are  in  colour  red, 
"white,  yellow,  lilac,  purple,  and  crimson.  P.  eldtior  is  the 
Oxslip,  from  which  all  the  Polydntlmses  have  been  grown. 
They  are  in  variety  innumerable,  and  are  those  whose  flowers 
are  in  umbels,  on  a  scape  or  flower-stalk,  rising  from  three 
to  nine  inches.  The  rules  for  judging  of  their  merits  are 
wholly  artificial,  agreed  on  from  time  to  time  by  florists. 
The  one  that  is  the  leading  beauty  this  year  would,  in  a  few 
years,  be  far  in  the  rear.  The  principal  character  is  that 
the  corolla  is  not  notched  or  fringed ;  the  colours  pure  and 
distinct,  not  running  into  one  another;  the  tube  small;  the 
eye  round,  and  a  little  prominent.  Being  surrounded  with 
white,  and  the  ground  purple,  is  a  fine  character.  P.  auri- 
cula. From  this  the  highly  esteemed  varieties  have  ori- 
ginated. The  cultivated  auricula  has  many  admirers,  both 
for  its  exquisite  beauty  and  fragrance.  For  the  criterion  of 
a  fine  flower,  see  April.  There  are  several  other  species 
worthy  of  a  situation,  such  as  P.  corfiisoides,  P.  dentifldra, 
P.  suaveolens,  P.  decora,  with  P.  scotica  and  P.  farinbsa, 
both  small,  neat  species.  A  shady  situation  agrees  best  with 
them;  and  they  require  loamy  soil,  free  from  any  kind  of 
manure,  except  it  be  fully  decomposed.  The  leaves  of  P. 
veris  have  been  recommended  for  feeding  silk  worms. 

Plumbago  Larpantea,  Lady  Larpants,  Lead-wort,  dark 
blue,  flowering  from  July  till  frost ;  a  very  great  acquisition 
to  the  flower-garden;  will  require  to  be  covered  in  winter  iu 
the  Eastern  and  Northern  States. 

Potentillas  are  similar  to  the  strawberry  in  habit  and  ap- 
pearance. P.  nepalensis,  or  formbsa,  has  rose-coloured 
flowers;  P.  atropurpiirea;  P.  Russellidna,  scarlet;  P.  Hop- 
woodidna,  buff  and  scarlet;  and  P.  spUndens,  yellow,  with 
superb  leaves.  These  are  the  finest  of  the  genus,  and  flower 
from  May  to  September.  It  will  be  well  to  protect  them  with 
a  few  leaves  or  litter  during  the  severity  of  winter;  they  de- 
light in  light  soil. 

Sapondria  ojicindlis,  and  S.  o.  plena,  are  fine  free-flower- 
ing, dwarf  plants;  the  colour  is  pink  in  both  double  and 
single  varieties.  The  I'oots  run  under  ground,  and  care  should 
be  taken  to  keep  them  within  bounds ;  they  flower  from  June 


March.']  PERENNIALS.  49 

to  October.     S.  coespitbsa  is  a  neat  growing  species,  of  a  rose 
'colour.     They  will  grow  in  any  soil. 

Silene.  Several  of  this  genus  are  popular  annuals,  but  the 
herbaceous  species  are  very  indifferent.  S.  viscdsa  and  S. 
viscdsa  Jidre-j^Una  are  frequently  cultivated  for  their  beauty; 
they  will  grow  well  if  not  too  much  shaded. 

Saxifruga,  above  one  hundred  species.  Many  of  them 
are  beautiful  plants  for  rock-work.  They  are  regardless  of 
cold,  but  will  not  generally  withstand  much  moisture.  A 
few  of  them  are  highly  deserving  a  situation  in  any  garden. 
S.  hirsufum  and  S.  crassijolia  are  used  in  some '  countries 
for  tanning.  >S^.  granulata  multiplex  has  fine,  double,  white 
flowers,  and  is  desirable.  ;S'.  umbrosa,  London-pride,  makes 
a  beautiful  edging  for  a  flower  border ;  the  flowers  are  small, 
but,  on  close  examination,  its  colours  are  unrivalled.  It  is 
sometimes  called  "none  so  pretty."  S.  sarmentbsa  is  kept 
in  the  green-house,  but  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  makes  a  fine 
plant  in  a  shaded  situation,  and  will  grow  where  grass  and 
other  plants  generally  die.  We  have  no  doubt  that  it  would 
make  a  good  fancy  edging.  S.  pulchella  and  S.  pyramiddlis 
require  protection ;  these  are  easily  cultivated,  and  flower  in 
spikes  from  May  to  July. 

Sjnrceas.  A  few  species  are  showy  plants,  and  continue 
flowering  from  May  to  September.  >S^.  ulmai'ia  multiplex^ 
Meadow-sweet,  has  sweet-scented,  white  flowers,  in  long  dense 
spikes.  S.  Jilipendula  miiltiplex,  Drop-wort,  double  white. 
S.  lohdta  is  a  native,  and  has  fine  rose-coloured  flowers,  and 
blooms  in  June  and  July;  S.  japonica,  beautiful  dwarf  white ; 
these  are  the  finest  of  the  herbaceous  species,  and  will  grow 
in  any  common  garden  soil. 

Statice,  Thrift.  A  genus  containing  many  fine  herba- 
ceous plants ;  only  a  few  of  them  are  common  in  collections. 
The  finest  of  them  are  scarce,  and  said  to  be  "  bad  to  cul- 
tivate." S.  vulgaris,  once  Armiria  vulgaris,  is  a  valuable 
plant  for  an  edging,  and  does  well  in  our  climate,  flowering 
in  great  profusion  from  May  to  July.  When  done  flower- 
ing, the  stems  should  be  cut  off".  The  foliage  is  an  agreea- 
ble evergreen;  the  plant  increases  rapidly,  and  in  a  few 
years  may  be  planted  to  a  great  extent.  S.  speciosa  has  red 
flowers,  crowded  in  spreading  panicles.  S.  tartdrica  has 
also  very  showy  flowers,  and  is  now  given  to  the  genus  Tax- 
dnthema.  S.  latifbUa  and  ^  maritxma  are  the  finest.  T. 
5 


60  PERENNIALS.  [J/arcA 

latifblia  and  T.  conspicua  deserve  attention.  They  should 
be  lifted  every  alternate  year,  and  sunk  deeper  into  the  soil, 
because  they  incline  to  grow  out,  and  are  sometimes  during 
summer  killed  by  the  drought.  Hence  they  are  said  to  be 
"  bad  to  cultivate," 

Vei-07uca,  Speed-well.  This  genus  consists  of  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty  species  of  herbaceous  plants,  besides 
several  varieties.  The  flowers  are  in  long,  close  spikes, 
■white,  flesh-coloured,  or  blue ;  they  are  generally  of  the  latter 
colour.  Above  sixty  species  are  equally  fine,  and,  being  ge- 
nerally of  the  same  character,  the  catalogue  at  the  end  of  thia 
work  will  contain  the  best  selection  that  we  can  make.  Very 
few  of  them  are  in  the  collections  of  the  country,  although 
they  are  very  showy,  and  flower  from  May  to  August.  They 
will  grow  in  any  soil,  but  will  not  flourish  where  they  are 
much  shaded.  V.  officinalis  has  been  used  in  Germany  and 
Sweden  as  a  substitute  for  tea.  Some  prefer  V.  chamoedrys 
for  the  same  purpose. 

Vnlerianas.  Several  species  are  showy  border  plants,  with 
small  flowers  in  large  close  flattened  panicles.  V.  dioica 
is  remarkable  for  having  the  stamens  and  pistils  in  separate 
flowers,  situated  on  different  plants ;  the  flowers  are  of  a 
blush  colour.  V.  phii,  a  large-growing  species  with  white 
flowers,  and  V.  rhhra,  with  its  varieties  which  bloom  all  the 
season,  are  the  finest  of  the  genus.  They  are  now  given  to 
Centrdnthus.  They  are  all  easy  of  culture  in  common  garden 
earth,  but  preferring  moist,  shady  situations.  In  flower  from 
May  to  September. 

Vtola,  a  genus  consisting  of  upwards  of  eighty  species  of 
low  pretty  plants,  of  gi-eat  diversity  of  colour  and  foliage. 
Many  of  them  are  natives,  and  well  worth  a  situation  in  our 
gardens.  They  mostly  delight  in  sandy  loam,  and  a  little 
shade.  A  few  of  the  species  grow  in  moist  situations.  The 
most  esteemed  varieties  for  fragrance  are,  V.  odordta  pur- 
purea  plena,  double  purple,  V.  odordta  alba  p)lena,  double 
white,  the  double  Neapolitan,  and  the  monthly  Double  p>urple. 
They  flower  very  early,  and  make  good  edgmgs,  where  they 
are  kept  in  order ;  flowering  profusely  from  April  to  June, 
and  again  in  autumn. 

Yiicca,  Adam's  needle.  This  is  a  very  showy  and  orna- 
raental  genus;  their  character  forming  a  picturesque  contrast 
in  the  flower-garden ;    foliage  long,  narrow,  lanceolate,  and 

Didsion  of  Hortieulture, 


March.2  PERENNIALS.  51 

stiff;  with  white  catnpanulate  flowers,  about  two  inches  in 
diameter,  in  conical  spikes  from  two  to  four  feet  long,  arising 
from  the  centre  of  the  plant,  containing  frequently  from  two 
to  four  hundred  florets.  They  are  principally  native  plants. 
Y.  stricta,  Y.  superba,  Y.  aloifbUa,  Y.  angxisti folia,  Y.  glo' 
riosa,  Y.  recurvifolia,  and  Y.  filamentosa,  are  all  fine  species, 
and  will  grow  in  any  common  soil.  When  in  flower,  if  pro- 
tected from  the  sun  by  an  awning,  they  will  be  of  considera- 
ble duration.  There  are  variegated  varieties  of  stricta  and 
aloifbUa,  which  look  very  handsome  in  foliage,  but  are  at 
present  very  rare,  and  it  will  be  a  number  of  years  before 
they  are  plentiful.  There  ought,  at  least,  to  be  one  specimen 
of  each  in  every  garden. 

We  have  given  the  names  and  characters  of  a  few  her- 
baceous plants,  all,  or  most  of  them,  easily  obtained,  many 
of  them  extremely  handsome,  and  such  as  agree  best  with 
transplanting  at  this  season  of  the  year;  for  several  others, 
such  as  Paonias,  or  any  other  strong  tuberous  or  bulbous 
sorts,  see  October.  Where  they  are  in  pots,  they  can  be 
planted  at  any  time,  the  weather  permitting,  provided  the 
ball  of  earth  is  not  broken-.  But  where  they  are  only  to  be 
removed,  the  best  time  is  in  October  or  November,  or  just 
as  vegetation  commences  in  the  spring.  That  herbaceous 
plants  may  look  to  the  best  advantage,  and  flower  well,  they 
must  not  be  allowed  to  get  into  large  stools ;  but,  as  soon 
as  they  are  above  one  foot  in  diameter,  they  should  be  di- 
vided. 

Very  frequently,  those  who  perform  this  operation  take 
the  spade,  and  cut  a  piece  ofi"  all  round,  which,  to  a  degree, 
improves  the  look  of  the  plant;  but  this  is  only  half  justice. 
It  should  be  lifted  entirely,  fresh  soil  given,  or  removed  a 
few  feet,  and  planted  a  little  deeper  than  it  was  before,  as 
the  plant  tends  apparently  to  grow  out  of  the  soil  when  al- 
lowed to  stand  long.  If  the  weather  becomes  dry  shortly 
after  transplanting,  give  them  a  few  waterings,  until  they 
have  taken  fresh  roots,  which  will  be  within  two  weeks 
Colour  should  be  diversified  through  the  garder  as  much  as 
practicable,  and  the  highest-growing  sorts  planted  farthest 
from  the  walk,  so  as  all  may  appear  in  view.  At  all  times, 
avoid  crowding  plants  together. 


52  PERENNIALS.  iMarch 


BULBOUS    ROOTS. 

About  the  m  ddle  of  this  month,  let  the  covering  of  tan, 
eawdust,  or  deoiyed  leaves  be  cleared  from  the  beds  of  such 
as  were  directed  to  be  covered  in  November;  afterwards 
carefully  stirring  the  surface  among  them  with  a  kind  of 
wooden  spatula,  or  wedge,  breaking  the  surface  fine ;  then 
dress  all  the  alleys  smooth  and  neat  with  the  hoe  and  rake, 
clearing  away  every  particle  of  litter.  "When  the  leaves  of 
Tulips  are  expanding,  they  frequently  become  entangled  so 
much  that  the  force  of  growth  breaks  the  foliage  ;  if  there 
are  any  appearances  of  this  at  any  time,  they  should  be  set 
right  with  the  hand.  In  early  seasons,  these  roots  will  be  far 
advanced,  and  perhaps  one  night  of  frost,  unexpectedly, 
might  materially  injure  them.  When  there  is  any  suspi- 
cion of  cold  weather,  hoops  should  be  spanned  across  the 
beds,  so  that  the  necessary  mats  or  canvass  could  in  a  few 
minutes  be  placed  over  them,  to  ward  ofi"  danger.  Protect 
the  finest  sorts  from  heavy  drenching  rains,  and  give  them 
small  neat  rods  for  support  as  they  grow  up.  If  the  rods 
and  tyings  are  painted  green,  the  effect  will  be  improved. 
These  directions  equally  apply  to  Narcissus,  Jonquils,  Iris, 
ind  all  Holland  Bulbs. 


CARNATIONS,  PINKS,  PRIMROSES,  ETC., 

Which  have  been  protected  by  frames  through  the  winter, 
must  have,  at  all  favourable  opportunities,  plenty  of  air  ad- 
mitted to  them  by  lifting  the  sashes,  and  in  fine  mild  days 
and  nights,  the  sashes  may  be  taken  entirely  off.  Divest 
them  of  all  decayed  leaves,  and  stir  up  the  earth  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  pots ;  those  that  are  intended  to  be  planted  in 
the  garden  may  be  set  to  one  side,  while  those  that  are  to  be 
kept  in  pots  must  be  more  strictly  attended  to.  Of  these 
the  Pinks  and  Carnations  should  be  repotted  about  the  first 
of  the  month.  Those  that  have  been  kept  in  four  inch  pots 
should  be  put  into  pots  of  seven  inches,  and  those  that  are  in 
five  inch  pots  may  be  put  into  eight  inch.  Give  a  gentle 
watering  after  repotting.  Pinks  do  not  require  the  pots  eo 
large,  but  the  same  treatment  in  every  other  respect.     Where 


March.']  AURICULAS,  etc.  53 

tli3  extremities  of  the  leaves  are  decayed,  cut  them  off,  with 
any  other  decayed  leaves;  the  pots  must  be  well  drained  with 
shivers  or  fine  gravel.  Give  them  plenty  of  air,  otherwise 
they  will  be  weak  in  growth. 

Primroses  and  Diisies  may  be  planted  out  in  shady  situa- 
tions :  the  sun  destroys  them  during  summer,  if  exposed. 


AURICULAS. 

These  beautiful  and  highly  interesting  plants  are,  to  a 
great  degree,  neglected  in  our  collections.  It  cannot  be  from 
want  of  beauty  or  fragrance  that  they  have  not  attracted  our 
attention,  for  they  are  exquisite  in  both.  We  are  rather  in- 
clined to  think  that  those  who  have  them  do  not  give  them 
the  treatment  they  require  yearly  to  perfect  their  bloom. 
They  should  now  have  the  surface  earth  taken  off  about  half 
an  inch  down,  and  fresh  soil  added,  which  will  cause  them  to 
put  on  fresh  fibres  about  the  upper  part  of  the  roots,  and 
greatly  increase  their  growth.  The  frame  in  which  they  are 
placed  should  now  face  the  east,  as  the  sun  will  be  too  strong 
for  them ;  and  about  the  end  of  the  month  turn  it  to  the 
north.  The  glass  of  the  frame  may  be  white-washed,  which 
will  partially  shade  them  from  the  sun,  that  being  their  de- 
light. Give  them  water  sparingly  until  they  begin  to  grow, 
and  never  water  them  over  the  foliage  previous  to  flowering, 
as  water  injures  that  fine  mealy-like  substance  found  on  many 
of  the  sorts,  and  which  so  greatly  improves  their  beauty. 
Defend  them,  therefore,  from  rain  and  high  winds.  To  have 
them  flower  strongly,  only  one  flower-stem  should  be  allowed 
to  grow.  The  first  one  that  shows  is  generally  the  best.  At 
all  events,  leave  the  strongest,  and  cut  off  all  the  others,  or 
only  nip  off  the  flower  pips,  which  answers  the  same  end. 
Never  keep  the  sash  off  during  the  night,  in  case  it  rain 
before  morning. 


RANUNCULUS    AND    ANEMONE. 

The  frames  of  Ranunculus  and  Anemone  must  have  plentj 
of  air,  and  give  frequent  sprinklings  of  water.     The  sashes 
or  shutters  should  be  taken  entirely  off  every  mild  day,  and 
5* 


54  ROSES.  [March. 

in  fine  nights  leave  them  exposed  to  the  dew.  Stir  the  earth 
among  them,  breaking  it  fine,  and  making  all  neat  and  clean. 
They  require  liberal  supplies  of  water  after  they  begin  to 
grow. 

ROSES. 

This  is  the  most  favourable  month  for  planting  all  kinds 
of  garden  roses,  which  must  be  done  as  soon  as  the  weather 
opens,  and  the  ground  is  in  a  proper  state.  The  earlier  they 
are  planted  the  more  perfect  they  will  flower.  Never  delay 
planting  when  there  is  an  opportunity;  for,  if  delayed  until 
the  leaves  are  expanded,  the  bloom  will  be  much  weakened, 
and  the  probability  is  there  will  be  no  flowers,  and  the  plants 
meet  with  a  premature  death.  It  has  been  said,  "  There  is 
a  particular  advantage  in  planting  some  every  ten  days,  even 
to  the  middle  of  May;  for  the  flowering  of  them  may  be  re- 
tarded in  this  way,  and  the  bloom  of  these  delightful  shrubs 
continue  for  a  much  longer  period."  One  moment's  reflec- 
tion will  convince  us  that  nature,  while  in  her  own  element, 
will  not  be  retarded,  suppose  there  was  no  danger  of  instan- 
taneous death  to  the  plants.  The  artificial  means  that  might 
be  judiciously  adopted,  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  to 
keep  back  the  blooming  of  hardy  plants,  is  to  lift  them  as 
soon  in  spring  as  is  practicable,  put  them  in  boxes  of  earth, 
and  then  place  them  in  the  driest  part  of  an  ice-house,  until 
the  desired  time  of  planting,  which  may  be  delayed  as  long 
as  the  required  time  of  flowering.  This  will  be  found  a  true 
method  of  retarding  the  flowering  of  roses  especially,  and  not 
going  counter  to  the  rules  and  pi-inciples  of  nature.  There 
are  many  beautiful  varieties  of  the  garden  rose  in  cultivation, 
the  names  of  the  finest  of  which  we  will  give  in  the  following 
catalogue : — 

African  black,  very  dark  crimson,  compact  and  very  double. 

Belle  amabile,  fine  dark  red,  large  and  double. 

Baron   de    Stael,  bright    cherry  colour,   globular,  large   and 

double. 
I'elle  Hebe,  large  purplish  red,  cupped,  double  and  fine. 

rouennaise,  a  vory  superb   rose,  with   red  centre   and 
blush  edge. 


March.']  ROSES.  55 

Belgic  or  Dutch  Provins,  red,  with  very  large  flowers,  cupped 

and  extra  double. 

Bouquet  de  Lisle,  spotted. 

^  , ,        T,      •  r  Fine   rose,   very   large,    globu- 

Cabbage  Provins,  or  \       -.  j  i  j       *         i 

n      -J- T      i- xv.    Til        1-  i       lar,  penduiar,   and  extremely 

Ce?i<t/biia  01  the  trench,  J       a     \S 

Don  Solo,  shaded  and  spotted. 

Harrisoni,*  bright  yellow,  cupped,  small  and  semi-double. 

Helen,  light  piuk,  very  large,  cupped  and  double. 

Imperial  blush,  delicate  blush,  expanded,  large  and  double. 

Isabella,  blush  pink,  very  profuse,  cupped  and  double. 

King  of  Rome,  deep  red,  very  large,  compact  and  exquisitely 

double. 
La  Ville  de  Bruxelles,  bright  rose. 

Leonore,  purplish  red,  very  compact,  imbricated,  and  double. 
Madam  Hardy,  pure  white,  large,  globular  and  exquisitely 

double. 

Plantier,  pure  white,  very  profuse. 

Moss  rose,"}"  delicate  rose,  globular  and  perfectly  double. 

Comte  de  Montmorency,  pale  blush. 

wbite,  old  white,  expanded  and  double. 

white  bath,  or  Clifton,  white  moss,  fine  white,  cupped 

and  double. 
crimson  or  Damask,   very  bright  rose,  expanded   and 

double,  and  very  mossy. 

(  This  is  not  properly  a  moss  rose, 
crested,  moss  or         J     but  has  a  curiously  mossy  calyx 

crested  Provins,      1     that  envelopes  the  bud — pink, 
(^    globular,  and  double. 

Luxemburg,  bright  red,  compact  and  double. 

panache,  frequently  striped. 

perpetual  red. 

Hermen  Kegel,  rosy  crimson. 

Grenl.  Druoat,  red. 

*  This  Rose,  -with  a  "Florist's  privilege,"  has  been  sold  for  the 
yellow  siceelhrier.     It  is  also  called  Hogg's  Yellow  Rose. 

■j-  It  h.as  long  been  questioned  whether  the  Moss  Rose  was  a  dis- 
tinct species,  or  merely  a  seminal  variety  of  the  Provins  Rose.  1 
perfectly  agree  with  the  latter  opinion — for  in  June,  1836,  I  saw  in 
my  nursery  a  plant  of  the  Moss  Rose  with  a  large  shoot  that  had 
sported  back  to  the  Provins  Rose,  and  entirely  destitute  of  moss  on 
either  shoots  or  buds.  We  have  no  faith  in  black  and  yellow  Moss 
Roses  ;  &\)  we  have  seen  for  such  have  proved  false  to  their  character. 


56  ROSES.  [^March 

Moss,  perpetual  white,  blooming  in  clusters. 

unique  de  Provence,  white. 

Negritina,  pink,  very  compact,  imbricated  and  double. 
Nonpareil,  rosy  red,  compact  and  perfectly  double. 
Oillet  parfait,  striped  like  a  carnation. 
Perlet  des  panaches,  striped  rose  and  white. 

— red,  see  I'ed  Provins. 

white,  see  white  Provins. 

Provins  cabbage,  see  Cabbage  Provins. 
Queen  of  violets,  violet  colour,  compact,  cupped  and  very 
double. 

Caroline,  fine  changeable  red,  cupped  and  double. 

Sweetbrier,  single  pink. 

celestial,  blush,  Jine  double  flowered. 

Unique  or  white  Provins,  pure  white,  very  large  globular, 

and  double,  superb. 
Unique  striped,  often  is  perfectly  white,  and  merely  a  sport 

from  the  former. 
Village  Maid,  or  Belle  Rubine,  striped. 
Yellow  Persian,  the  finest  yellow  rose  grown. 

We  mention  these  as  fine;  but,  among  several  thousand 
cultivated  varieties  of  the  garden  rose,  there  must  be  many 
of  equal,  if  not  surpassing  beauty;  of  Rosa  sjnnosissima, 
there  are  about  five  hundred  varieties ;  Rosa  gallica,  two 
hundred ;  R.  centifblia,  one  hundred  and  fifty ;  R.  damascene, 
above  one  hundred;  R.  alba,  fifty;  R.  rubiginbsa,  thirty; 
and  of  various  sorts  above  eleven  hundred.  In  several  indi- 
vidual collections  of  Europe,  there  are  cultivated  above  fifteen 
hundred  species,  sub-species,  and  varieties. 

When  planted,  they  are  too  frequently  crowded  indiscri- 
minately among  other  shrubs,  which  prevents  them  having 
the  effect  they  would  have  if  planted  singly  or  grouped. 
They  vary  in  size,  in  different  sorts,  from  one  to  ten  feet. 
When  planted  in  the  latter  method,  they  should  be  assimi- 
lated in  size  of  leaves  and  manner  of  growth,  with  the  great- 
est variation  of  flower ;  or,  if  planted  in  small  patches,  each 
distinct  in  colour,  will  have  a  very  picturesque  effect.  Another 
desirable  and  fanciful  method  is  to  plant  them  in  figures, 
with  edgings  of  wire,  willow,  or  any  other  substitute,  iu 
imitation  of  basket-work,  which  is  called  "  baskets  of  roses ;" 
the  ground  enclosed  in  the  basket  margin  to  be  made  convex, 
which  will  present  a  greater  surface  to  the  eye ;  the  strong 


March."]  roses.  57 

shoots  to  be  layered,  or  kept  down  by  pegs  in  the  grojnd, 
having  the  points  of  the  shoots  only  to  appear  above  the  doil, 
which  should  be  covered  with  moss.  With  this  treatijdent, 
in  a  few  years  the  whole  surface  of  the  basket  will  be  covered 
with  rose-buds  and  leaves,  of  one  or  various  sorts.  If  two  or 
three  of  the  larger  growing  sorts  are  taken,  such  as  Moss  or 
Provins,  they  may  be  trained  so  as  to  cover  a  surface  of 
several  square  yards. 

A  modern  invention  in  the  cultivation  of  the  rose  is  to 
grow  them  in  shape  of  trees,  by  budding  on  strong-grow- 
ing kinds  at  different  heights  from  the  ground,  according  to 
taste,  and  the  purposes  intended.  If  budded  on  Rosa  cd- 
nina,  or  Dog  Rose,  they  are  much  more  valuable  :  it  is  a  last- 
ing and  strong-growing  stock ;  and  the  worst  of  all  stocks  is 
the  Boursalt  rose,  and  it  is  too  frequently  resorted  to,  being 
easy  of  propagation.  They  will  form  in  a  few  years  hand- 
some round  heads,  which  will  flower  more  freely  than  by 
layers,  or  trained  on  their  own  stalk.  They  are  particularly 
desirable  among  low  shrubs.  When  planted,  they  should  be 
well  supported  by  strong  rods,  to  prevent  the  wind  from  de- 
stroying them.  If  any  of  the  roots  have  been  bruised  in 
lifting,  cut  off  the  bruised  part  with  the  knife,  and  likewise 
shorten  the  young  shoots ;  breaking  the  earth  well  about 
their  roots  when  planting.  The  rose  has  been  an  esteemed 
shrub  among  all  civilized  nations.  The  flowers  are  double, 
semi-double,  and  single ;  the  colours  are  pink,  red,  purple, 
white,  yellow,  and  striped,  with  almost  every  shade  and  mix- 
ture ;  the  odour  universally  grateful.  This  plant  is  cultivat- 
ed in  every  garden,  from  the  humblest  cottager  to  the  loftiest 
prince,  and  by  commercial  gardeners  in  Europe  extensively, 
for  distilling  rose-water,  and  making  the  essential  oil  of  roses. 
They  delight  in  a  rich  loamy  soil,  and  require  plenty  of 
moisture  while  in  a  growing  state.  Those  sorts  which  throw 
up  numerous  suckers  should  be  lifted  every  three  or  four 
years,  reduced,  and  then  transplanted.  When  thus  removing 
them,  avoid,  as  much  as  possible,  exposing  their  roots;  and 
when  newly  planted,  mulching  is  of  considerable  advantage; 
that  is,  putting  half-rotten  stable-manure  on  the  surface  of 
the  ground  round  their  roots,  which  prevents  evaporation, 
and  keeps  up  a  constant  moisture.  If  this  were  done  in 
general  to  our  roses  in  dry  seasons,  it  would  greatly  improve 
their  flowering.     For  Chinese  and  other  roses,  see  next  montht 


58  ORNAMENTAL   FLOWERING    SHRUBS.  iMarck 


CLIMBING   ROSES. 

This  is  the  best  time  to  prune  ever-blooming  climbing 
roses,  such  as  Champney,  Noisette,  &c.  Many  of  these, 
when  allowed  to  grow  year  after  year  without  pruning,  be- 
come unsightly ;  they  never  bear  flowers  on  the  old  wood, 
that  is,  wood  of  three  or  four  years.  Having  a  tendency  to 
throw  out  young  shoots  from  the  bottom  of  the  stem,  the  old 
wood  should  be  cut  out,  thus  encouraging  the  young  wood, 
which  the  second  year  bears  the  most  and  finest  flowers. 
In  severe  winters,  the  extremities  of  the  shoots  are  frequent- 
ly killed,  and  we  have  often  seen  all  the  wood  black  or  brown, 
and  apparently  dead.  When  that  is  the  case,  it  is  best  to 
leave  it  until  they  begin  to  grow,  which  will  show  what  is 
dead  or  alive,  when  they  can  be  pruned  to  better  advantage. 


DECIDUOUS  ORNAMENTAL  FLOWERING  SHRUBS. 

The  earlier  the  planting  of  these  shrubs  is  attended  to  in 
this  month,  the  more  will  their  growth  and  flowering  be  pro- 
moted, having  all  finished  before  the  buds  begin  to  expand. 
(For  kinds  recommended,  see  list,  end  of  the  volume.)  They 
should  never  be  planted  too  thick ;  but  leave  space  for  them 
to  grow  as  they  respectively  require,  and  according  as  they 
are  designed  for  open  or  close  shrubberies,  clumps,  or  thick- 
ets. Have  all  in  readiness,  that  it  may  be  done  with  as 
much  expedition  as  possible,  to  prevent  their  roots  from 
being  dried  by  the  sun  and  wind  in  time  of  planting. 
Make  the  holes  intended  for  their  reception  round,  capacious, 
and  deep  enough  to  hold  their  roots,  without  confining  them 
in  the  least,  and  loosen  well  the  bottom,  putting  new  and 
fresh  soil  under  their  roots,  breaking  and  pulverizing  it  dur- 
ing the  operation,  and  frequently  shaking  the  plant  as  you 
progress  in  filling  up.  When  done,  make  all  firm  with  the 
foot,  leaving  a  circular  cavity  to  hold  the  water  they  will 
require  during  dry  weather.  Give  rods,  and  tie  with  bands 
all  that  need  that  support,  before  they  are  left,  lest  they 
should  be  neglected.  Cut  ofi"  any  of  the  bruised  roots  or 
irregular  growths  of  the  branches. 


March.}  GRASS-PLATS    AND    WALKS.  59 


GRASS-PLATS  AND  WALKS. 

A  most  wonderful  renovator  of  grass-plats  may  be  found 
in  Guano.  Take  at  the  rate  of  one  pound  to  twelve  square 
yards,  mis  it  with  double  the  quantity  of  sand,  and  before 
rain  in  April  or  May,  sow  the  mixture  over  the  grass ;  in  a 
few  days  its  effects  will  be  seen.  Where  grass  lawns  are 
poor,  and  of  a  pale  yellow  colour,  about  four  hundred  weight 
to  the  acre,  mixed  with  sand,  plaster,  or  dry  earth,  will  effec- 
tually restore  them  to  a  luxuriant  verdure. 

Rake  and  sweep  off  from  these  all  litter,  and  worm-cast 
earth,  and  give  an  occasional  rolling  to  settle  the  ground, 
and  render  the  surface  smooth  where  the  scythe  is  to  be  used. 
The  grass  will  likewise  grow  better  by  rolling  it  where  the 
frost  has  partially  thrown  it  out,  and  add  greatly  to  its  beau- 
ty. Cut  the  edgings  with  an  edging-iron  or  spade,  so  that 
the  whole  will  have  a  finished  appearance.  If  any  new  turf 
is  required  to  be  laid  down,  this  is  a  very  good  time  to  do  it, 
before  vegetation  is  strong ;  as  the  turf  that  is  now  laid  will 
have  taken  root  before  the  dry  season  commences.  Where 
a  great  extent  is  to  be  done,  sowing  might  be  adopted ;  but 
it  will  not  have  the  effect  of  turf  under  three  years,  and  dur- 
ing that  time  must  be  carefully  cut,  after  the  first  season, 
every  three  weeks,  while  growing;  nor  must  it  be  too  fre- 
quentl}^  walked  upon.  White  clover  and  true  perennial  rye- 
grass are  the  seeds  most  proper  for  sowing.  The  ground 
must,  in  the  first  place,  be  all  equally  made  up,  and  levelled 
with  the  spade  and  rake;  not  "cart-loads  of  soil  laid  down 
and  levelled,"  which  would  finally  become  very  uneven,  and 
would  need  to  be  lifted  and  relaid  next  year.  The  best  turf 
is  that  of-  a  close-growing  pasture  or  common,  free  from  all 
kinds  of  weeds  or  strong  roots,  and  the  grass  short.  To  cut 
it  expeditiously,  be  provided  with  a  turfing-iron ;  but  if  that 
cannot  be  conveniently  had,  a  spade  may  do  very  well.  Strain 
a  line  tight,  cutting  the  turf  lengthwise,  at  equal  distances, 
from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches.  Next  draw  the  line  across, 
cutting  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet ;  then  cut  them  up 
with  the  spade,  about  one  and  a  half  inch  thick.  In  laying, 
join  them  close  and  alternately;  when  done,  beat  them  firm 
with  a  level  wooden  beater,  and  roll  with  a  heavy  roller. 

Grass-walks,  in  the  last  century,  were  very  popular ;  but 


60  -    GRAVEL   WALKS.  [^Slarch 

time  having  put  them  to  the  test,  they  are  found  unfit  for 
walking  among  or  using  in  any  manner,  ahnost  for  one-half 
of  the  year  ;  therefore,  not  answering  the  purposes  intended. 
They  require  great  attention  to  keep  them  in  order ;  and  if 
not  always  neat  and  clean,  they  are  a  disagreeable  object  in  a 
garden ;  but,  when  they  are  well  dressed,  their  effect  is  very 
enlivening.  Where  they  are  desired,  prepare  the  ground  as 
above  directed;  making  the  walk  a  little  higher  than  the 
adjoining  borders,  to  prevent  the  earth  from  being  washed  on 
it  by  the  rain.  Allowing  the  walks  to  be  six  feet  wide,  make 
the  centre  five  inches  higher  than  the  sides,  or  about  seven- 
eighths  of  an  inch  to  the  foot,  whatever  the  breadth  may  be, 
which  will  form  a  gentle  declivity  to  throw  off  the  rain. 
When  laid,  beat  and  roll  it  well ;  cutting  the  edge  neat  and 
even.  Water  frequently,  if  the  weather  sets  in  dry.  To 
keep  grass-walks  or  plats  in  order,  they  should  be  mown  once 
every  three  or  four  weeks,  from  May  to  September,  and  the 
grass  each  time  swept  clean  off.  When  the  grass  is  allowed 
to  get  long  before  being  cut,  the  roots  became  tender,  and 
die  when  exposed  to  the  sun ;  at  last  the  grass  is  all  in  spots, 
and  in  another  year  requires  to  be  relaid. 


GRAVEL  WALKS. 

A  practice  once  existed  of  turning  these  into  heaps,  or 
ridges,  during  winter,  to  destroy  weeds,  &e.  But  this  has 
almost  been  given  up  as  unnecessary,  unsightly,  inconvenient, 
and  not  doing  any  material  service. 

Where  the  surface  of  these  has  become  foul,  irregular,  or 
mossy,  they  had  better  be  turned  over  four  or  five  inches 
deep,  where  the  gravel  will  admit  of  it;  but  if  not,  hoe  and 
rake  them  perfectly  clean,  give  a  new  coat  of  gravel,  and  pick 
up  any  stones  that  you  think  too  large ;  then  give  them  a 
good  rolling,  applying  it  frequently  after  showers  of  rain. 
When  they  are  well  attended  to  just  now,  they  will  look  well 
all  the  season ;  but  if  neglected,  they  take  more  labour,  and 
are  never  in  such  good  condition. 

Fancy-edgings  of  Thyme,  Thrift,  Lavender,  and  Violets — 
(^Daisies  may  be  used  if  the  situation  is  shaded).  The  whole 
of  these  may  be  planted  by  the  line  with  the  dibber  except 
Thyme,  which  lay  as  directed  for  Box,     See  this  month, 


March.']  or  grafting.  61 

under  that  head.  Any  time  in  this  or  beginning  of  next 
mouth  will  answer  to  make  edgings  of  these ;  and  if  dry 
weather  occurs  before  they  begin  to  grow  after  planting,  they 
must  have  frequent  waterings  until  they  have  taken  fresh 
root.  Thyme  requires  to  be  dressed  twice  during  the  season, 
to  keep  it  in  order. 


OP   GRAFTING. 

There  are  four  methods  of  grafting.  It  can  be  applied  to 
all  kinds  of  shrubbery,  choosing  a  common  species  from  the 
same  genus  that  the  sort  belongs  to,  which  is  intended  to  be 
multiplied.  The  one  we  will  describe  is  whip  or  tongue 
grafting,  which  is  the  preferable  and  most  expeditious  plan 
with  all  deciduous  shrubs  or  trees.  The  stock  upon  which 
it  is  performed  must  be  slender,  from  two-thirds  of  an  inch  tc 
any  diameter  suitable  to  the  thickness  of  the  graft.  Having 
headed  the  stock  at  a  clear,  smooth  part,  slope  it  on  one  side 
with  a  sharp  knife  at  a  very  acute  angle,  make  a  slit  on  the 
lower  side  of  the  slope  about  an  inch  downward  to  receive 
the  tongue  or  wedge  of  the  graft  or  scion.  Secondly,  having 
the  prepared  scions  cut  into  lengths  of  three,  four  or  five 
eyes,  take  one  which  matches  the  stock  in  size,  and  slope 
the  bottom  of  it  so  as  to  fit  the  stock,  that  the  rinds  of  both 
may  correspond  exactly,  especially  on  one  side  and  at  bottom ; 
make  also  a  slit  upward  in  the  graft,  like  that  in  the  slope  of 
the  stock,  so  that  the  one  may  be  inserted  in  the  other  as 
evenly  and  completely  as  possible.  Let  the  graft  be  carefully 
held  in  its  due  position,  while  a  bandage  is  applied.  Take 
strands  of  Russian  mat,  and  bind  them  in  a  neat  manner 
several  times  round  the  stock  and  graft.  Lastly,  cover  the 
joint  with  well-worked  clay;  coat  from  half  an  inch  below 
the  bottom  of  the  graft  to  an  inch  above  the  top  of  the  stock, 
and  to  the  thickness  of  half  an  inch  all  round ;  finish  it  in 
an  oblong  globular  form,  taking  care  to  work  it  close,  that 
no  air  may  penetrate.  If  the  clay  is  covered  with  moss,  it 
will  partially  prevent  it  from  cracking. 

The  grafts  will  have  taken  when  they  begin  to  grow  freely  : 

then  the  clay  may  be  broken  off,  and  the  bandage  loosened, 

and  put  on  again,  but  not  so   tight  as  formerly;  give   the 

grafts  a  stake   for  support,  tying  them   thereto    to   prevent 

6 


62  ANNUALS.  lAjpril 

accidents  from  the  wind.     Allow  no  shoots  to  arise  from  the 
stock. 


APRIL. 


The  ambition  of  every  amateur  and  gardener,  during  this 
month,  is  to  be  at  the  head  of  every  department,  and  over 
every  spot.  The  operator's  activity,  in  this  month,  almost 
regulates  the  whole  season.  Every  weed  ought  to  be  cut 
down  as  soon  as  it  appears,  and  the  proverbial  saying  will  be 
realized,  "  A  garden  that  is  well  kept  is  easily  kept ;"  one 
hour  of  laborious  industry  now  will  save  two  in  the  heat  of 
summer.  A  wet  day  need  cause  no  loss  of  time :  prepare 
rods,  bands,  and  tallies,  to  be  in  readiness  when  required. 
Many,  in  the  height  of  bustle,  never  finish  properly  as  they 
proceed,  which  is  the  worst  of  practices.  Every  operation 
ought  to  be  completely  and  properly  finished  before  another 
is  taken  in  hand,  which  will  ultimately  prove  the  quickest 
and  best  method  to  work  upon. 

Let  digging,  hoeing,  and  raking  be  done  as  expeditiously 
as  strength  will  allow,  that  the  time  may  be  devoted,  for  a 
few  weeks,  to  the  beautifying  of  the  garden  and  parterre,  by 
sowing  and  planting. 


ANNUALS. 

Those  that  are  tender  and  were  sown  last  month,  according 
to  directions,  will  be  ready  to  prick  out  into  another  glass 
frame.  Keep  them  a  few  inches  apart,  to  let  the  air  circu- 
late. Give  them  frequent  sprinklings  with  water,  and  shade 
them  with  a  mat  for  a  few  days,  until  they  have  taken  fresh 
root ;  then  give  them  plenty  of  air,  and  by  the  first  of  next 
month,  expose  them,  night  and  day,  to  harden  the  plants  for 
the  open  ground.  A  few  of  the  annual  seeds,  of  every  de- 
scription, and  of  every  country  and  climate,  may  be  sown  any 
time  after  the  middle  of  the  month.  If  the  season  prove 
favourable,  they  will  do  well ;  but  reserving  a  part  to  sow 
about  the  15th  of  May,  will  guard  against  every  extreme. 


April.']  HYBRID   CHINESE   ROSES.  63 


BIENNIALS   AND   PERENNIALS. 

Any  biennials  that  are  intended  to  be  removed,  and  not 
done  last  month,  must  not  be  delayed  longer.  The  roots  of 
many  of  them  will  be  very  strong,  and,  if  possible,  a  cloudy 
day  should  be  chosen  for  the  operation.  Give  one  or  two 
copious  watei'ings,  and,  if  necessary,  shade  them  from  the 
sun  till  they  begin  to  grow. 

Perennials. — For  a  limited  description  of  several  genera 
and  species,  see  last  month.  Where  dividing  the  root  or 
replanting  is  required,  let  it  be  done  forthwith.  If  the  wea- 
ther is  dry,  they  must  be  carefully  watered  and  shaded  for  a 
few  days. 


ROSES. 

The  subject  of  garden  roses  was  touched  upon  last  month, 
as  far  as  our  limits  would  admit.  We  will  now  give  short 
descriptions  of  the  other  varieties  of  Roses  that  are  of  more 
delicate  character — and,  for  distinction  and  perspicuity,  we 
will  give  them  under  the  various  divisions  to  which  they 
belong. 


HYBRID    CHINESE   ROSES. 

All  the  varieties  of  this  fine  division  of  Roses  owe  their 
origin  to  the  Chinese  tea-scented.  Noisette,  and  Bourbon 
Roses,  impregnated  with  the  French  Provins,  and  other 
garden  Roses.  The  seeds  of  such  fertilized  flowers  produce 
hybrid  Cbinese  Roses.  These  have,  in  mauy  instances,  re- 
sulted from  accident;  but  latterly,  from  the  regular  impreg- 
nating profess.  The  superb  varieties  of  this  fine  division 
give  a  combination  of  all  that  is  grand  and  beautiful  in  roses. 
Their  flowers  are  of  the  most  elegant  forms  and  richest 
colours ;  their  foliage  of  great  luxuriance,  and  their  branches 
flixible  and  vigorous.  Many  of  them  are  of  first-rate  im- 
portance for  covering  pillars  and  trellises,  their  shoots  fre- 
quently growing  from  six  to  ten  feet  in  one  season  ;  these 
i«hoots  may  be  thinned  out  year  after  year,  but  rievfir  short- 


6t  HYBRID   CHINESE   ROSES.  [Jpn7. 

ened.  They  require  very  rich  soil,  and  do  best  on  their 
own  bottom,  except  elcgans,  Bizarre  de  la  Chines  Wdling- 
ton,  and  other  dwarf-growing  sorts,  which  do  well  as  stand- 
ards. If  they  only  possessed  the  property  of  ever  hloomivg, 
they  would  be  decidedly  the  finest  division  of  the  tribe ; 
however,  their  general  beauty  and  richness  of  colour  greatly 
make  up  for  the  deficiency.  Many  of  them  are  also  delight- 
fully fragrant.     The  following  are  select  sorts  : — 

Belle  Marie,  bright  pink,  a  fine  dwarf. 

parabere,  shaded  crimson,  a  strong  grower. 

Theresa,  very  dark  crimson. 

Blanchefleur,  white,  a  free  grower. 

Bon  Ginneure,  bright  red,  very  early. 

Bouquet  blanc,  white  expanded,  large  and  very  double. 

Brennus  or  Brutus,  of  some  French  collections,  vivid  red  or 
nearly  scarlet,  and,  as  a  pillar  rose,  is  one  of  the 
finest  objects  I  have  ever  witnessed  ;  flowers  extremely 
large,  and  of  the  most  exquisite  form,  cupped,  and 
perfectly  double. 

Catel,  dark  crimson,  globular  shape  and  very  double. 

Coup  de  Hebe,  delicate  pink. 

Dandigne,  violet  purple. 

Duke  of  Devonshire,  rosy  lilac,  faintly  striped  with  white, 
imbricated  and  perfect  in  its  shape 

Egerie,  brilliant  red,  a  free  grower. 

Fabvier,  very  large,  changeable  pink  and  red. 

Fulgens  or  Malton,  unique  in  brilliancy,  approaching  bright 
scarlet,  with  large  globular  flowers,  and  of  vigorous 
growth,  and  foliage  finely  tinted  with  red. 

General  Lamarque,  very  dark  crimson,  of  luxuriant  growth, 
and  very  distinct. 

George  the  Fourth  (Rivers'),  most  beautiful  crimson,  very 
large  and  exquisitely  double,  and  of  globular  form. 
If  in  good  rich  soil,  the  shoots  will  grow  eight  feet 
in  one  season  ;  foliage  of  a  shining  dark  reddish 
green,  and  is  unquestionably  one  of  the  finest  of  the 
family. 

Georgiana,  deep  pink,  cupped,  large  and  finely  double. 

Grillony,  slaty  rose  colour. 

L'ingenue,  shaded  violet  crimson. 


April.^  HYBRID  ROSES.  65 

Lady  Stuart,  flesh  colour,  the  form  of  the  flowers  before  ex- 
pansion is  perfectly  spherical,  and  of  exceeding  beauty. 

Louis  Philippe,  very  splendid  dark  rose,  a  strong  grower, 
superb. 

Parny  or  La  tourferelle,  lilac  or  dove  colour,  cupped  and 
very  double,  requires  to  grow  to  a  large  bush  before 
its  beauty  of  form  and  profusion  of  bloom  can  be 
seen. 

IMncess,  delicate  rose,  globular  and  perfectly  double,  and 
makes  an  excellent  standard  of  itself,  not  being  very 
subject  to  make  shoots  from  the  root. 

Prolific,  dark  rosy  crimson,  changing  to  violet,  very  perfect 
form,  a  dioarf. 

Triomphe  de  Laffay,  rosy  white,  large  and  very  beautiful. 

Victor  Hugo,  changeable  rosy  violet. 

Violet  de  Belgique,  dark  violet  crimson,  very  profuse  and 
perfect. 

Watts'  Celestial,  Celestial  WelN  Cabbage  China,  Flora,  per- 
fecta,  &c.  (it  is  known  under  all  these  names),  delicate 
rose,  petals  finely  cupped,  flower  rather  flat,  is  a  free 
grower,  and  very  profuse  of  bloom. 

Wellington  (Lee's),  rich  purple  crimson,  flower  beautifully 
formed ;  globular  and  very  double.  The  first  view  of 
it  is  similar  to  Bizarre  de  la  Chine;  but  it  is  very 
distinct  in  growth,  and  the  colour  fades  much  sooner 
than  in  the  latter  rose,  and,  indeed,  is  never  so  bright. 

"William  the  Fourth,  blush  red,  extremely  large,  very  perfect 
form,  and  is  unquestionably  a  hybrid  from  the  Cab- 
bage Provins,  and  makes  an  excellent  standard  or  tea 
rose. 


HYBRID    ROSES    THAT   ARE    STRIPED,    SPOTTED,    OR 
MARBLED. 

Sandeur,  Sandeur  PanacJiee,  of  the  French,  and  King  of 
Hybrids  of  the  English,  bright  rose  colour,  beautifully 
spotted  and  striped  with  white,  very  double,  and  of 
perfect  form — luxuriant  in  growth,  and  the  shoots 
must  never  be  shortened — we  have  seen  it  several 
years  in  perfecl  bloom. 
6* 


66  PERPETUAL  ROSES.  [April 


PERPETUAL  ROSES. 

This  once  admired   division  of  the   Rose   is   now  nearly 
superseded  by  the  Hybrid  Perpetual,  a  tribe  that  originated 
between  it  and  the  Bourbon.     It  was  not  known  in  Europe 
till  about  1817,  except  in  the  red  and  white  four  seasons, 
roses,  which  have,  no  doubt,  contributed  a  large  portion  of 
their  ''  sweet  assistance ;"  for  in  many  of  them  the  powerful 
and  agreeable  fragrance  of  these  two  old  roses  is  very  evident. 
Unfortunately,  there  are  two-thirds  of  these  roses  received 
both  from    France'  and    England   under    the    head    of  Per- 
petuals,  which  only  bloom  once  in  our  arid  and  hot  climate; 
of  course,  they  will  not  make  a  second  or  third  blooming, ' 
unless  they,  at  the  same  time,  grow  freely  and  make  strong 
shoots ;  consequently,  they  require  very  rich  and   deep   soil, 
strongly  manured,  and  repeated  manurings  given  every  year; 
also,  very  frequent  waterings  during  the  summer  season,  with 
liquid  manure.     Without  such  nourishment,  the  best  of  per- 
petual roses  will  only  flower  but  once  a  year.     It  is  a  pecu- 
liar feature  in  this   tribe  of  roses,  that  they  are  nearly  all 
reluctant  in  rooting  from  layers ;  therefore,  it  will  be  difficult 
to  procure  them  on  their  own  bottoms.     However,  they  grow 
admirably,  grafted   on,   or  budded    into,  any  of  our  strong- 
growing  native  roses;   although  the  French   Eglantine  and 
Marietta  are  most  generally  preferred.     When  grown  in  a 
luxuriant  and  well-cultivated  state,  they  require  twice  pruning. 
First,  in  November,  when  the  beds  are  dressed,  cut  off  every 
shoot  of  the  preceding  summer's  growth  about  two-thirds,  and 
if  they  are   crowded,   displace  some   of  them  entirely.     If 
this   autumnal   pruning  be   properly  attended  to,  they  will, 
early  in  the  following  June,  throw  out  a  great  number  of 
luxuriant  shoots,  each  having  one  or  more  flowers.     When  a 
little  sacrifice  must  be  made  to  have  a  fine  autumnal  bloom, 
therefore,  leave  only  about  half  the  number  of  shoots  to  bring 
forth  flowers,  the  remainder  shorten  to  less  than  half  theii 
lengths.     Each  shortened  branch  will  soon  put  forth  buds, 
and  in  July  and  August   the  plants  will  again  be  covered 
with    flowers.      Our    fine-growing    fall    months    will    greatly 
assist  the  plants  without  farther  aid  in  bringing  forth  their 
third   blooming,  which  will  be  in   September  and  October ; 
and  Rose  du  Roi  will  even  continue  in  mild  seasons  to  bloom 


Aj)ril.'\  HYBBID   PERPETUAL  ROSES.  67 

till  November.  It  is  necessary,  at  all  times,  as  soon  as  tba 
flower  begins  to  fade,  to  cut  it  off,  which  greatly  assists  the 
vigour  of  the  plants.  Although  in  colour  many  of  them  ap- 
proximate each  other,  yet  the  following  sorts  will  prove  suffi- 
ciently distinct : — 

Antinous,  light   crimson,  beautifully  formed,  and   perfectly 

double. 
D' Angers,  delicate  rose,  large  size,  compact  and  double. 
Du  E.oi,  or  Lee's  crimson  perpetual,  bright  red,  cupped  shape, 

perfectly  double,  and  exquisitely  scented  :  in  warm 

dry  weather,  this  rose  is  apt  to  become  much  lighter 

in  colour. 
Grande  et  Belle,  or  Monstreuse  rose,  very  large,  cupped  and 

perfectly  double. 
Jean   Hachette   (of  the  English),   delicate   pink,   extremely 

large,  cupped,  and  extra  double. 
Magadore,  very  dark  crimson,  perfect  form. 
Oliver  de  Serres,  dark  rose  with  a  blush  edge,  very  distinct. 
Palmyra,  rosy  pink. 
Queen  of  Perpetuals,  or  Palotte  picotee,  pale  blush,  cupped 

and  perfectly  double. 
Scotch  Perpetual,  pale  blush,  a  profuse  and  constant  bloomer. 
Stanwell,  perpetual  blush,  expanded  and  very  double ;  it  has 

much  the  habit  of  a  Scotch  Rose:  when  budded,  it  is 

a  constant  and  free  bloomer. 
Four  seasons,  pale  rose,  cupped  and  double. 
White  four  seasons,  nearly  white,  expanded  and  double;  but 

rarely  blooms  oftener  than  once  in  the  season. 
Perpetual  white  moss,  white,  blooms  in  large  clusters,  and 

when  in  bud  is  very  handsome;   but  the  flower  of 

itself  is  miserably  indifferent,  and,  moreover,  it  is  not 

a  true  perpetual.      It  is  one   of   those  floricultural 

misnomers  expressing  what  the  public  would  wish  it 

to  be,  and  not  what  it  actually  is. 


HYBRID  PERPETUAL  ROSES. 

It  is  but,  comparatively,  yesterday  since  this  trifle  was 
brought  into  existence;  it  is  now  the  leading  family  of  hardy 
lioses,  and  will  continue  to  be  for  ages  to  come.     We  may 


68  GEAPTINa  ROSES.  lApril. 

expect  it  in  every  variety  of  colour,  from  pure  while  to  velvet 
crimson,  and  with  a  mixture  of  spotted,  striped,  and,  may  be, 
a  touch  of  yellow.  What  we  have  said  on  the  culture  of 
Perpetual  Roses  will  equally  apply  here,  this  tribe  having 
the  advantage  of  rapidity  of  growth — more  diversity  of  colour 
— a  greater  profusion  of  bloom,  and  is  propagated  with  con- 
siderable facility  by  layers,  or  cuttings,  or  the  common  process 
of  budding  aud  grafting.  The  following  sorts  are  all  perfectly 
distinct : — 

Aubernon,  dark  rosy  red,  cupped  and  very  double. 
Augusti  Mie,  bright  rose. 

Baron  Prevost,  dark  rose,  very  large,  strong  growing. 
Baron  Halley,  crimson  purple. 
Blanche,  pure  white,  cupped,  very  profuse. 
Caroline  de  Sansal,  blush,  very  large. 
Comtesse  Duchatel,  dark  rosy  red,  large  and  perfect. 
Duchess  de  Nemours,  pale  rose  colour,  very  double. 
Duchess  of  Praslin,  pale  blush,  very  profuse. 
Due  d'Aumale,  rosy  crimson,  perfect  form. 
Edward  Jesse,  pale  red,  a  very  constant  bloomer. 
Griant  of  the  Battle,  scarlet  crimson. 
General  Taylor,  bright  crimson  scarlet,  fine. 
Lane,  bright  carmine,  fine  form,  and  a  constant  bloomer. 
La  Reine,  rosy  lilac,  very  large. 
Lion  of  Combates,  crimson. 
Marquis  Boccella,  pale  pink,  a  profuse  bloomer. 
Prince  Albert,  rich  crimson,  large  and  very  double. 
Queen  Victoria,  pale  blush. 
Heine  de  Fleurs,  pale  rose. 

Youlande  d'Arragon,  pale  rose,  large  and  very  constant  in 
bloom ;  one  of  the  best  light-coloured  sorts. 

There  are  a  hundred  other  sorts  could  be  added  to  the  above, 
without  decidedly  varying  the  colour. 


GRAFTING  ROSES. 

The  operation  of  grafting,  from  the  pithy  nature  of  the 
stems  of  the  rose,  is  more  troublesome,  and  seldom  succeeds 
BO  well  as  budding,  though  when  the  buds  inserted  the  pre- 


April.']  l'isle  de  bourbon  roses.  69 

vious  summer  fail,  it  is  worth  while  to  have  recourse  to  graft- 
ing, which  may  succeed,  and  thus  make  up  for  the  failure. 
The  cleft-grafting  is  much  practised,  especially  on  the  conti- 
nent of  Europe,  and  is  the  most  successful  method.  It  is 
necessary  that  the  scion  (or  young  shoot  that  is  intended  to 
be  multiplied)  should  be  cut  from  the  bush  before  vegetation 
commences,  and  placed  in  some  shaded  situation  till  the  time 
of  operation,  which  will  be  after  the  buds  begin  to  swell  on 
the  stock,  when  the  head  of  the  stock  may  be  cut  horizon- 
tally to  its  desired  height,  and  a  slit  made  in  its  crown  down- 
ward one  and  a  half  or  two  inches.  The  scion  should  be  cut 
into  lengths  of  two  and  a  half  or  three  inches,  and  then, 
cutting  its  lower  end  into  a  wedge-like  shape,  inserting  it 
into  the  slit  of  the  stock,  keeping  the  back  of  the  stock  and 
scion  in  contact,  which  must  be  held  firmly  and  bound  with 
ligatures  of  soft  bast-mat  or  worsted,  and,  in  order  to  render 
it  water-proof,  cover  it  with  a  paste  made  of  pitch  and  bees- 
wax, or  clay  mixed  with  old  slaked  lime;  if  the  latter  is 
used,  it  will  sometimes  crack,  which  must  be  carefully  filled 
up.  In  August  or  September,  the  ligatures  may  be  cut  on 
one  side,  allowing  the  clay  or  wax  to  be  displaced  with  the 
natural  growth  of  the  plant.  Should  the  graft  fail,  you  have 
still  the  resource  of  budding  in  August  on  the  young  shoots 
that  will  grow  from  the  stock.  It  must  be  observed  that 
grafting  leaves  a  worse  wound  to  heal  over  than  budding, 
unless  the  stock  and  scion  be  nearly  of  the  same  size.  Every 
bud  which  appears  below  the  graft  should  be  carefully  rub- 
bed ofi",  except  one  or  two  nearest  the  crown,  to  encourage 
the  sap  upwards  to  the  grafts ;  and  as  soon  as  the  latter  begin 
to  throw  out  leaves,  the  shoots  from  the  stock  should  be 
shortened,  and  in  one  or  two  weeks  more  entirely  taken  ofi", 
if  the  scion  has  fairly  grown.     For  whip-grafting,  see  page  61. 


l'isle  de  bourbon  roses. 

This  group  of  Roses  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  whole 
family  of  the  "  Queen  of  Flowers."  They  arc  generally  per- 
fectly hardy,  of  luxuriant  growth,  and  will  grow  almost  in 
any  soil.  They  are  profuse  in  blooming  from  June  to  Oc- 
tober, and  many  of  them  delightful  in  fragrance.  They  are 
flowering    ornaments   of    the    garden,   either    as   standards, 


70  l'isle  de  bourbon  roses.  lApril 

climbers,  or  bushes ;  their  foliage  is  large,  exuberant  and 
agreeable,  and  when  the  plants  are  established  and  well  nur- 
tured, they  produce  their  flowers  in  immense  clusters.  There 
are  now  many  varieties;  the  talent  and  ingenuity  of  the 
French  in  rose  culture  and  reproduction  will  soon  give  the 
floral  world  a  farther  supply  of  some  fine  varieties,  and  many 
Jiner  names.  I  can  cheerfully  recommend  the  following  sorts, 
which  require  pruning  similar  to  hybrid  Roses : — 

Acidalie,  rose  white,  large  and  perfect. 

Anne  Beluze,  waxy  blush,  very  perfect  in  form. 

Appoline,  rosy  pink. 

Bouquet  de  Flore,  bright  rose,  large  flower,  and  a  profuse 

bloomer. 
Cesarine  Souchet,  shaded  carmine. 
Desgaches,  pale  waxy  rose,  flat  form,  very  distinct. 
Due  de  Chartres,  large,  rosy  pink. 
Dupetit  Thouars,  bright  crimson. 
Desfosses,  waxy  pink,  very  double. 
Enfant  d'Ajaccio,  very  bright  scarlet;    makes   an  excellent 

pillar  rose. 
Henry  Clay  (Boll),  carmine,  very  large. 
HermoBa,  bright  rose,  most  perfect  cupped  form,  a  profuse 

bloomer,  and  highly  esteemed.     During  the  summer 

months  it  loses  much  of  its  colour;  but  in  autumn 

it  is  truly  charming. 
Julia  do  Fontenelle,  crimson. 
Leveson  Gower,  dark  rosy  red,  large  cupped,  flower  profuse 

and  distinct. 
Madam  Angelina,  creamy  waxy  white,  cupped  flower. 

Nerard,  waxy  pink,  expanded  and  very  double. 

Neuman,  or  Monthly  cabbage,  bright  rose,  very  large 

and  fragrant. 
Desprez,  dark  rose,  globular,  and    perfectly  double, 

blooms   in    large  clusters,  and    approaches  more   the 

Noisette  tribe  than  any  'iter  of  the  Bourbon  Roses. 
Marianne,  rosy  red. 
Paul   Joseph,  brilliant    crimson,    very   double    and   perfect, 

though  not  so  large  a  flower  as  many  others. 
Prince  de  Joinville,  crimson  purple. 
Queen  of  the  Bourbons,  beautiful  waxy  blush,  perfect  in  form 

profuse  of  flower. 


April.'}  ROSA  INDICA.  71 

Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  pale  blush,  very  large,  the  Prince 

of  Bourbons. 
Triomph  de    la   Duchere,  rosy    blush^  a   rapid   grower,  and 

makes  an  excellent  pillar  plant. 
Vicomte  de  Cussy,  rosy  crimson. 

There  might  be  several  others  added  to  the  above,  though 
we  consider  these  the  best  and  most  distinct  in  colour  and 
character. 


ROSA  INDICA  OR  (BENGAL    OP   THE  FRENCH)  CHINESE   EVER' 
BLOOMING  ROSES. 

Perhaps  no  Rose  has  been  so  universally  distributed  and 
industriously  cultivated  as  Rosa  indica  (common  Chinese  or 
daily  Rose),  and  Rosa  Semperflorens  (crimson  or  sanguinea 
Rose).  It  has  been  a  favourite  from  the  cottage  to  the  man- 
sion, and  is  truly  a  floral  pion(3er.  They  will  almost  with- 
stand every  vicissitude  of  treatment;  but  will  not  well  survive 
the  winters  in  the  open  air,  north  of  this  latitude,  and  even 
here  they  require  some  simple  protection  with  straw,  mats, 
litter,  or  other  dry  material  during  winter. 

They  require  a  very  rich,  loamy  soil,  well  pulverized,  and 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  inches  in  depth. 

The  best  season  of  the  year  for  pruning  them  is  about  the 
first  of  this  month.  In  doing  so,  it  is  not  advisable  to 
shorten  any  of  the  young  shoots,  except  in  cutting  ofi"  the 
injured  parts,  that  being  the  wood  most  productive  of  bloom ; 
but  where  there  is  old  stinted  wood,  it  should  be  cut  out  as 
close  to  the  surface  of  the  ground  as  the  other  parts  of  the 
bush  will  permit,  with  any  other  of  the  oldest  wood  that  is 
too  crowded.  Dig  every  season  in  among  their  roots  a  good 
supply  of  well-decomposed  manure,  and  stir  and  hoe  them 
frequently  during  the  summer.  The  following  are  very  de- 
sirable : — 

Abbe  Mioland,  cupped,  dark  rosy  crimson. 

Agrippina,  or  Cramoisi  Superieur,  brilliant  crimson,  cup  form, 

large  and  finely  double. 
Bengal  triumphant,   La  Sujperhe,    GVande  et  Belle.     This, 

like  many  fine  roses,  has  its  several  names,  but  the 


72  ROSA  INDICA.  [April. 

former  is  the  name  under  which  I  first  knew  it.  It 
is  a  strong  grower,  with  very  large  well-formed  flowers 
of  a  rich  purple  crimson,  which  are  extremely  double, 
and  always  open  well. 

Beau  carmine,  dark  crimson,  of  a  very  distinct  habit  and 
colour,  is  an  excellent  bloomer  and  finely  formed. 

Belle  Isidore  is  also  a  changeable  rose ',  it  will  open  a  light 
pink  colour,  and  before  evening  will  be  a  rich  crimson  ; 
is  a  regular  and  very  double  large  rose,  of  strong 
growth  and  easy  culture,  and  when  known  will  be 
generally  cultivated. 

Cels,  or  Bengal  Cels,  flesh  colour,  of  the  most  perfect  form, 
extremely  double  and  always  opens  perfect ;  is  a  very 
profuse  bloomer,  and  of  a  strong  growing  habit ;  it  ha3 
much  the  appearance  of  a  superb  tea  rose. 

Comble  de  Gloire,  rich  reddish  crimson,  a  free  bloomer,  and 
possesses  considerable  fragrance. 

Gros  Charles,  shaded  rose,  extremely  large  and  fine 

Hortensia,  flesh  colour,  very  double,  and  an  excellent  rose. 

Indica,  or  common  daily,  dark  blush  or  rose  colour — it  is  the. 
prototype  of  the  family,  and  is  a  free-growing  and 
profuse  blooming  plant,  and  can  withstand  every  va- 
riety of  treatment.  The  flower  is  about  three  inches 
in  diameter,  and  in  our  descriptions,  where  the  word 
larcje  is  used,  it  signifies  that  the  flower  is  larger  than 
the  present  variety,  and  very  large  means  still  larger, 
say  four  inches ;  extremely  large,  between  four  and 
five  inches.  We  have  even  seen  roses  in  favourable 
soils  and  cloudy  weather  six  inches  in  diameter,  and 
would  not  be  alarmed  to  see  a  hybrid  Rose  twenty- 
one  inches  in  circumference. 

-  alba,  wliite  daily  or  sarmeteuse  of  some,  pure  white, 

perfectly  double,  free-growing,  and  profuse  in  flower- 
ing; it  is  much  more  tender  than  the  former,  but 
does  tolerably  well  when  protected  during  winter. 
In  the  Southern  States,  it  is  a  great  and  growing  fa- 
vourite. Thousands  of  this  rose  have  been  grown  and 
sold  in  Philadelphia  within  these  five  years. 

■ minor  var,  Lawrencia  fiore  pleno,  delicate  rose,  a  per- 
fect rose  in  perfect  miniature. 

Jacksonia,*  hundred  Teaved  daily,  or  crimson  daily,  bright 

*In  compliment  to  the  late  President  Jackson. 


April.]  ROSA  ODORATA  OR  TEA  ROSE.  73 

red,  large    and  most  perfectly  double,   of   luxuriant 

growth,   and    more    prickly  (spines)  than    any  other 

rose  of  the  sort  we  have  seen. 
Jacques  Plantier,  shaded  crimson,  expanded. 
L'Etna,  bright  light  crimson,  very  double,  globular,  and  very 

distinct,  is  of  a  strong-growing  habit. 
Lady  Warrender,  pure  white,  large   cup  form,  very  double, 

and  a  great  bloomer. 
La  Caemens,  rosy  shaded  crimson,  very  perfect  form. 
Louis  Philippe,  dark  crimson,  very  compact,  globular,  and 

extremely  double. 
Madam  Breon,  large  bright  rose. 

Hersant,  bright  rose,  very  large,  showy  and  double. 

Marjolin,  large,  dark  crimson,  a  very  strong  grower — -Jine. 
Mrs.  Bosanquet,  beautiful  creamy  blush,  very  large,  perfectly 

formed — quite  distiiict. 
Prince  Eugene,  very  bright  red,  perfectly  double  cup  form, 

and  a  profuse  bloomer. 
Roi  de  Cramoisis  or  Eugene  Beaubarnais,  bright  crimson,  fine 

cup  form — -fragrant. 
Rubens,  dark  rosy  violet. 
Vesuvius,   very  dark   crimson,  perfectly  double,  and   quite 

sweet-scented. 
Queen  of  Lombardy,  Heine  de  Lombardie,  brilliant  cherry 

red,   cupped,  perfectly   double,   a  strong  grower,  and 

will  be  a  great  favourite — superb. 
Semperflorens,  Crimson  Chinese  or  Sanguinea,  the  type  of 

all  the  scarlet  and  crimson  varieties  of  this  division ; 

it  is  perfectly  double,  of  a  rich  crimson  colour,  and 

is  everywhere  cultivated,  and  will  not  be  easily  dis- 
placed from  the  window  of  the  cottage,  or  the  veranda 

of  the  palace. 
Virginal,  pale  waxy  blush,  very  distinct. 


ROSA  ODORATA  OR  TEA  ROSE. 

The  original  Rosa  odorata  or  tea  rose  has  been  and  will  be 
a  lasting  favourite.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  imported 
from  China  so  late  as  1810,  and  is  the  leading  parent  of  all 
the  fine  varieties  we  now  possess.  As  this  very  popular  and 
interesting  group  of  Roses  require  more  care  in  their  culture 
7 


74  ROSA   ODORATA   OR   TEA  ROSE.  \_April 

than  any  yet  described,  I  will  endeavour  to  give  the  most  ex- 
plicit directions  I  am  able,  so  as  to  insure,  at  least,  a  great 
chance  of  success.  They  delight  to  grow  m  a  rich  soil  with 
a  dry  bottom,  and  in  rather  an  elevated  situation,  and  a 
southern  aspect.  Select  a  spot  of  the  dimensions  requisite 
for  a  quantity  of  plants  to  be  planted,  and  dig  therefrom  soil 
to  the  depth  of  at  least  eighteen  inches ;  six  inches  of  the 
bottom  may  be  filled  with  pieces  of  bricks,  stone,  or  lime — 
rubbish  of  any  sort ;  on  this,  place  a  layer  of  compost  (at 
least  fifteen  inches  thick,  to  allow  for  its  settling),  half  turf, 
or  good  garden  mould,  and  half  well-rotted  manure,  with 
about  an  eighth  of  sand,  all  completely  mixed  together.  A 
few  weeks  after  the  bed  is  thus  prepared — say  about  the  first 
of  May — the  roses  may  be  planted  about  two  feet  apart.  In 
this  latitude,  during  the  severity  of  winter,  they  should  be 
protected  by  a  temporary  frame  :  if  covered  with  glass,  so 
much  the  better;  but  boards  will  serve  where  glass  frames 
are  not  at  hand.  With  this  treatment,  they  will  never  receive 
the  least  injury  from  our  severest  winters,  and  they  will  bloom 
in  the  greatest  perfection  the  whol*  season.  The  only  prun- 
ing they  require  is  merely  to  remove  any  old  shoots  to  give 
room  for  those  of  younger  growth,  and  to  occasionally  shorten 
any  of  extra  length.  However,  where  there  are  only  solitary 
plants,  they  will  do  very  well  covered  with  branches  of  cedar, 
or  a  box  or  barrel  perforated  in  several  places  to  allow  the 
moisture  to  evaporate.  Those  that  are  grafted  or  budded 
will  not  generally  stand  the  winters  of  our  Eastern  or  Mid- 
dle States,  and  should  be  lifted  and  put  in  a  back  shed,  or 
tied  close  to  the  ground  and  covered  with  earth.  About  the 
first  of  the  month,  they  can  be  raised  up  and  pruned  of  any 
dead  or  superfluous  wood,  when  they  will  bloom  nearly  as 
perfect  as  those  that  have  received  finer  treatment.  In  the 
Southern  States  they  enjoy  the  great  luxury  of  this  rose  in 
its  utmost  perfection  ;  there  they  grow  in  "  wild  luxuriance," 
displaying  their  varied  beauties,  and  perfuming  the  air  with 
their  delightful  fragrance.  Every  flower-garden  in  mild  lat- 
itudes should  have  a  full  and  perfect  collection  of  such  ''  pleas- 
ing flowers."  Among  the  many  distinct  varieties  knojirn  to 
be  worth  culture,  are 

Adam,  very  large,  bright  pink,  cupped  form. 
Apricote,  pale  apricot  colour. 


April.']  ROSA  ODORATA  OR  TEA  ROSE.  75 

Antherose,  pale  pinkish  white,  large  and  compact. 

Barbot,  deep  pink  inclining  to  creamy  blush,  very  large. 

Bougere,  rosy  lilac,  extremely  large,  a  strong  grower,  cup- 
shaped. 

Belle  Marguerite,  pale  rose,  changing  to  dark  pink  in  the 
centre,  large  and  extremely  double. 

Caroline,  bright  rosy  pink,  very  large,  beautifully  formed — 
pendulous  and  highly  esteemed. 

Clara  Sylvain,  pure  white,  most  perfectly  double,  a  strong 
grower,  and  abundant  in  bloom,  very  sweet  and  highly 
esteemed. 

Devoniensis  or  magnolia  rose,  yellowish  white  with  pink  cen- 
tre, very  large,  always  perfect,  finely  cupped — delight- 
fully fragrant.  If  I  were  confined  to  cultivate  only 
twelve  roses,  this  magnificent  variety  would  be  one  of 
the  number. 

Elisa  Sauvage,  Canary  yellow,  fading  to  creamy  white,  very 
large  and  double. 

Etienie,  pure  white,  cupped  form. 

Elvira,  creamy  blush,  tinted  with  rose. 

Fragoletta,  large,  rosy  blush  shaded  with  pink. 

Flavescens,  lutea  or  yellow  tea,  pale  straw  colour,  cupped  pe- 
tals, very  large,  and  though  only  semi-double,  has  not 
a  rival  of  its  colour ;  it  was  introduced  into  England 
from  China  by  Mr.  Parkes,  in  1824;  is  a  strong 
grower,  but  more  tender  than  any  other  tea  rose  of  its 
habit. 

Floralie,  beautiful  blush,  bloomy  in  clusters,  very  fragrant, 
and  as  yet  quite  rare. 

Goubault,  rosy  blush  with  yellow  centre,  very  large. 

Hippolyte,  yellowish  white,  large  and  double,  a  strong  grower 
and  profuse  bloomer. 

Hymenee,  white,  with  cream  centre,  globular,  large,  and  very 
double. 

Julia  Mansais,  yellowish  white. 

La  Sylphide,  rosy  bufi"  changing  to  creamy  white,  very  per- 
fect, and  always  beautiful. 

Lyonnais,  very  large,  pale  pink  inclining  to  deep  blush. 

Madame  Desprez,  or  Bengal  Madame  Desprez,  pure  white, 
cupped,  large  and  finely  double ;  is  a  beautiful  rose, 
and  is  rarely  excelled  in  delicacy  of  fragrance. 

Mansais,  bufi^,  very  large,  finely  double,  and  highly  fragrant 


76  NOISETTE  ROSES.  lAjpril. 

Marechal  Bugeaud,  bright  waxy  rose. 

Melville,  flesh  colour,  a  strong  grower. 

Moire,  rose  and  blush,  beautifully  cup-formed,  very  perfect, 
and  proves  to  be  a  fine  grower. 

Nephitos,  pure  white,  very  large,  quite  distinct. 

Odorata,  or  common  tea  rose,  fine  blush,  very  large  cupped 
petals,  delightfully  scented,  and  everywhere  admired, 
and  is  the  foundation  of  this  sweet-scented  family. 

Princess  Marie,  flesh  colour,  a  most  superb  rose  of  first-rate 
merit,  perfectly  double,  and  finely  scented ;  when  well 
grown,  will  have  flowers  about  five  inches  in  diameter. 

Safrano,  when  the  bud  first  opens  it  is  of  a  fine  safi"ron  colour, 
very  pretty. 

Strombio,  creamy  white,  perfectly  double,  large  and  globular. 

Triomphe  du  Luxembourg,  yellow  flesh  or  copper  colour,  ex- 
tremely large  and  perfectly  double;  is  a  rampant 
grower,  has  a  most  splendid  bud. 

Victorie  modesta,  blush,  cupped,  very  large  and  double. 


NOISETTE  ROSES. 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  the  original  of  this  famous 
group  of  roses  originated  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina, 
with  Mr.  Noisette,  about  1815,  who  sent  it  to  his  brother, 
the  well-known  nurseryman,  at  Paris  (France).  It  was  sup- 
posed to  be  produced  between  the  xvhite  music,  cluster,  and 
the  common  China  rose,  and  created  a  very  great  excitement 
among  the  Parisian  florists  and  amateurs ;  but,  since  its  in- 
troduction to  France,  thousands  of  seedlings  have  been  raised 
from  it,  and  so  many  of  these  are  evidently  hybrids,  of  the 
tea-scented  and  other  roses,  that  some  of  the  roses,  called 
"  Noisettes,"  have  almost  lost  every  character  of  the  division. 
They  are  generally  hardy  plants,  requiring  rich  soil  and  a 
routine  of  treatment  similar  to  the  **  Isle  de  Bourbon  Roses." 
They  will  amply  repay  for  extra  attention  to  their  culture. 
The  great  profusion  and  perpetual  succession  of  flowers  from 
June  till  November,  of  immense  clusters,  frequently  from 
fifty  to  one  hundred  in  each,  make  them  truly  ornamental 
objects,  and  are  well  calculated  for  covering  fences,  pillars, 
or  trellis  work.  Although  they  are  hardy,  they  will  be  bene- 
fited by  i  light  covering  of  mats  or  litter :  south  of  this, 


April.']  NOISETTE  ROSES.  77 

nothing  of  the  kind  is  required.  It  must  he  kept  in  mind 
that  pillar- roses  can  scarcely  have  too  much  manure  when 
planting,  and  they  also  require  a  regular  annual  dressing  of 
some  enriching  material.  We  consider  the  annexed  list  in- 
dispensable to  a  flower-garden.  The  flower  of  a  Noisette 
Rose  varies  from  one  to  four  inches  in  diameter  in  the  follow- 
ing descriptions ;  we  take  two  inches  as  our  standard  : — 

Alba,  white,  a  beautiful  dwarf  with  small  flowers ;  but  in  the 
greatest  profusion,  and  the  whole  bush  is  frequently 
like  one  bouquet. 

Aim6e  Vibert,  unique  or  Rosa  nevia,  showy  white,  very  com- 
pact and  perfectly  double,  and,  if  well  treated,  is  one 
of  the  finest  white  dwarf  Noisette  Roses,  and  is  a  pro 
fuse  autumnal  bloomer. 

Augusta.  This  famed  $5.00  Rose  appears  to  me  to  be  our 
old  Solfatare,  or  a  reproduction  of  it. 

Bologne,  dark  crimson,  compact  form,  dwarf  habit. 

Bengal  Lee,  Noisette  Lee,  Blush  peiyetual  China,  coelestis, 
grandifiora,  monstrosa,  and  Triomphe  des  Noisettes, 
are  all  one  and  the  same  rose,  blush  or  creamy  white, 
very  double,  of  strong  growth,  and  flowers  in  large 
clusters;  it  is  a  good  old  rose,  and  fortunate  in  new 
names. 

Couque  de  Venus,  creamy  white,  with  darker  centre,  very 
compact  and  double;  blooms  in  large  clusters,  and  is 
delightfully  scented,  a  regular  good  article. 

Champneyana  or  Champney's  pink  cluster,  light  pink,  a  ram- 
pant grower,  profuse  bloomer,  and  universally  culti- 
vated. 

Charles  the  Tenth,  rosy  purple,  very  double,  and  in  dry 
weather  blooms  well,  but  in  moist  weather  its  buds 
do  not  open ;  is  an  excellent  rose  in  a  southern  lati- 
tude. 

Coeurjaune  and  Coeur  soufre  are  like  yellowish-white,  a  hardy 
rose  of  strong  growth,  and  profusion  of  flowers. 

Cloth  of  Gold,  or  chromatella — deep  sulphur  yellow,  very 
large  flower,  cupped  and  fine — fragrant. 

Cora  L.  Barton,  fine  rosy  pink,  very  large  flower,  a  profuse 
bloomer,  fragrant. 

Euphrosyne,  rosy  bufi",  inclining  to  yellow,  very  fragrant — a 
very  profuse  blooming  variety  of  medium  growth. 
7* 


78  NOISETTE  ROSES.  [April. 

Fellenberg,  bright  crimson,  double,  a  strong  grower,  profuse 
in  bloom,  and  a  decided,  distinct,  and  excellent  rose. 

Jaune  Desprez,  or  French  yellow  Noisette,  rosy  buff,  large, 
and  perfectly  double,  flowers  in  large  clusters;  is  a 
strong  grower  and  delightfully  fragrant,  very  hardy, 
and  well  calculated  for  a  pillar  rose. 

Joan  d'Arc,  yellowish-white,  of  strong  growth 

La  Nymphe,  delicate  pink,  blooms  profusely,  dwarf  habit. 

Lamarque,  greenish-white,  extremely  large,  profuse  in  bloom, 
perfectly  double,  and  agreeably  scented — closely  ap- 
proaches the  tea  rose  in  its  size  and  fragrance;  it  makes 
a  splendid  pillar  rose,  frequently  growing  ten  feet  in 
one  season. 

Lady  Byron,  pink,  very  compact,  and  perfectly  double,  and 
is  a  good  pillar  rose. 

Lutea  or  Smithii,  pale  yellow,  large  double  flowers,  but  does 
not  open  well  in  moist  weather;  it  is  a  superb  article 
when  perfect,  and  is  quite  a  dwarf,  having  very  little 
of  the  Noisette  character,  but  delightfully  scented. 

Luxembourg,  fine  rosy  purple,  very  perfect,  a  free  grower  and 
fragrant. 

Maria,  dark  rose,  perfect  form,  rapid  grower. 

Ophire,  orange  yellow  tinged  with  red,  very  double,  a  free 
grower,  fragrant,  very  distinct. 

Orloff,  bright  pink,  large  and  showy,  though  not  very  double 
— a  profuse  bloomer  when  well  established — is  a  very 
strong  grower,  and  excellent  for  covering  arbours  or 
trellises. 

Phaloe,  rosy  pink,  large,  fully  cupped  flower. 

Solfatare,  sulphur  yellow,  large  and  perfectly  double,  a  strong 
grower,  very  fragrant,  when  well  established  blooming 
profusely. 

Superba,  delicate  pink,  an  old  rose,  perfectly  double,  blooms 
in  large  clusters ;  is  of  strong  habit,  and  flowers  pro- 
fusely. This,  with  Noisette  Lee,  are  our  two  best  old 
Noisette  Roses. 

Vitellina,  pure  white,  cupped  form,  very  double. 

Washington,  pure  white,  a  strong  grower. 


April.']  MUSK-SCKNTED  ROSES.  79 


MUSK-SCENTED  ROSES  (ROSA  MOSCHATA), 

The  white  musk-scented  cluster  rose  is  one  of  the  oldest 
inhabitants  of  the  rose  garden,  and  is  known  all  over  the 
earth,  where  the  rose  has  been  cultivated,  or  its  name  been 
beard.  It  is  supposed  that  it  is  the  famed  rose  of  the  Per- 
sian poets.  Although  there  are  several  varieties  under  this 
head,  very  few  of  them,  indeed,  have  that  peculiar  fragrance 
which  the  genuine  old  species  possesses.  They  require  similar 
treatment  to  the  Bourbon  and  Noisette  Roses,  and,  in  fact, 
fanciers  have  been,  if  possible,  too  minute  to  separate  this 
group  from  the  Noisette  Roses,  merely  because  they  are,  in 
some  degree,  musk-scented. 

Old  musk  cluster,  yellowish  white,  expanded  and  semi-double, 
blooms  in  immense  clusters  and  finely  scented 

Herbemonte,  pure  white,  very  large  flower  in  fine  clusters. 

Princess  de  Nassau,  creamy  white,  perfectly  double,  very  fra- 
grant, and  blooms  in  large  clusters. 

Ranunculus,  musk  cluster,  pure  white,  very  double ;  flowers 
in  very  large  clusters. 


CLIMBING   ROSES   THAT   BLOOM    ONLY   ONCE   IN    THE 
SEASON. 

Under  this  head,  we  will  have  to  place  several  roses  from 
very  diiferent  countries,  but  all  agreeing  in  habit  and  flower- 
ing disposition.  Our  readers  will  now  be  fully  impressed 
with  the  knowledge  that  all  roses  of  luxuriant  growth  require 
copious  nourishment.  Such  is  the  case  with  many  of  those 
we  are  now  about  to  describe;  but  others  of  them  will  grow 
and  bloom  most  beautifully  perfect  even  on  the  poorest  of 
soil,  and  are  very  capable  of  covering  rock-work,  a  sterile 
bank,  or  naked  wall,  or  any  disagreeable  object,  where  it  is 
not  convenient  to  excavate  for  the  purpose  of  introducing 
nutritious  soils ;  and  several  of  them  are  of  such  a  hardy 
nature  that  they  will  withstand  the  utmost  severity  of  our 
Northern  States ;  others  are  more  delicate,  and  can  only  bear 
the  mild  winters  of  a  southern  climate,  where  they  richly 
display  both  flowers  and  foliage,  and  even  retain  their  foliage 


80  CLIMBING  ROSES,  ETC.  ^AprH 

during  winter,  and  are  evergreens  for  screening  disagree- 
able objects  or  covering  arbours.'  The  best  of  the  united 
groups  are 

(r)*  Ayrshire  tea-scented,  or  Rosa  Ruga,  delicate  blush, 
flowers  very  compact  and  perfectly  double ;  it  is  a 
free-grower  and  an  excellent  pillar-rose,  with  a  delight- 
ful fragrance.  There  are  several  others  of  the  Ayr- 
shire Rose,  under  very  tempting  names,  such  as  Double 
Crimson,  Mottled,  Eclipse,  Ayrshire,  Queen,  Elegans, 
&c.  These  may  do  for  those  who  wish  a  multiplicity 
of  names ;  but  will  not  take  with  our  floral  public, 
who  wish  every  plant  to  have  some  merit  as  well  as  a 
name  to  recommend  it. 

Boursalt,  white.  Rose  de  Lisle,  Boursalt  Florida,  Calypso, 
Pompone  Florida,  and  Bengal  Florida,  &c.,  for  it  is 
known  by  all  these  names,  and  I  have  imported  it 
four  times,  under  different  names ;  it  is  a  blush  white, 
and  frequently  exceedingly  large  and  handsome,  and 
is  a  pillar  rose ;  its  very  double  delicate  flowers  have 
a  fine  effect. 

Boursalt  elegans.  Purple  Boursalt,  Purple  Noisette,  &c., 
flowers  of  a  vivid  purple  crimson,  with  an  occasional 
stripe  of  white,  nearly  double,  and  an  early  and  pro- 
fuse bloomer ;  is  an  excellent  rose  for  an  arbour. 

Inermis,  very  large,  bright   pink,  a   little    fragrant, 

grows  and  blooms  freely. 

Banksia  alba,  white,  with  pink  centre,  very  small,  but  per- 
fectly double;  has  an  agreeable  violet  perfume,  and  is 
a  profuse  bloomer,  but  is  entirely  too  delicate  to  with- 
stand our  winters.  This  and  the  following  are  natives 
of  China : 

lutea,  yellow,  inclining  to  buff,  in  every  other  cha- 
racter similar  to  the  former.  They  are  elegant  ever- 
greens in  the  gardens  of  our  Southern  States,  and  are 
very  highly  esteemed ;  frequently  known  under  the 
name  of  White  Evergreen  Multljlora,  and  Yellow  Ever- 
green Mult! flora. 

(y)Felicite  de  perpetua,  Noisette  florabunda,  Ahelard  sem- 
pervirens,  Noisette  compacta,  Mademoiselle  EuphrasiCf 

*  Tliose  marked  thus  (r)  will  do  admirably  for  rock-work. 


April'}  CLIMBING   ROSES,  ETC.  81 

and  perhaps  many  other  high-sounding  names ;  it  is 
a  beautiful  cream-white,  with  perfect   shaped  flowers, 
and  makes  a  lovely  rock-work  or  pillar  rose ;  but  is 
rather  delicate  for  our  severe  winters. 
Graulhie,  pure  white,  cup  form  in  large  clusters,  very  double, 

a  strong  grower  and  free  bloomer 
Grevillia,  or  seven  sisters,  is  a  very  curious  rose,  flowered  the 
first  time  with  us  in  June,  1830.  It  is  of  the  Mul- 
tiflora  variety,  and  is  a  native  of  China ;  growth  free 
and  luxuriant ;  leaves  large  and  deeply  nerved  j 
flowers  in  large  clusters,  almost  every  eye  of  the 
wood  of  last  year  producing  one  cluster,  having  on  it 
from  eight  to  twenty  roses,  according  to  the  state  of 
the  plant,  each  rose  expanding  differently  in  colour  or 
shade.  Many  suppose  that  they  expand  all  of  the 
same  colour,  and  change  afterwards.  This  is  not  the 
case.  We  have  seen  them  white,  pink,  red,  purple, 
and  various  other  shades  when  the  bloom  expanded ; 
and  on  two  clusters  we  have  observed  twenty-two  dis- 
tinct shades  of  colour.  In  fact,  it  is  a  complete  non- 
descript, having  roses  single,  semi-double,  and  double, 
large  and  small,  and  every  colour  between  white  and 
purple,  forming,  in  every  garden  where  it  is  planted,  a 
wonder  of  the  vegetable  world. 
Multiflora,  beautiful  pink,  very  compact  and  double;  it  is 
rather  tender  for  this  latitude.  Celebrated  as  being 
the  first  climbing  rose  that  was  planted  in  or  about 
Philadelphia,  and  was  so  much  admired  that  twenty 
dollars  were  frequently  given  for  a  single  plant. 

alba,  similar  to  the  former,  but  lighter  in  colour, 

though  not  a  pure  white. 

Laure   de   Voust,  changeable  pale  blush,  pink  or 

white,  very  compact,  of  the  most  perfect  form,  and  a 
profuse  bloomer,  of  rampant  growth,  and  more  hardy 
than  the  two  preceding;  it  is  one  of  the  most  beauti- 
ful and  elegant  of  climbing  roses,  with  rather  large 
flowers  and  luxuriant  foliage. 
Prairie  Rose ;  a  few  elegant  sorts  have  been  grown  from  this 
single-flowered  native  rose :  all  are  of  rapid  growth 
and  partaking  of  the  parent  in  blooming  later  than 
roses  generally  that  flower  only  once  in  the  season ; 
they  are  admirably  adapted  for  covering  arbours,  rock 


82  ROSA   MICROPHYLLA,  ETC.  ^A^ril 

work,  or  out-buildings  of  any  kind,  being  of  the  most 
hardy  nature,  and  standing  the  severest  of  our  winters 
even  in  the  most  Northern  States. 

Beauty  of  Prairies,  or  Queen  of  Prairies,  dark  rose,  cup  form, 
very  large,  and  frequently  striped  with  white ;  it  is 
highly  esteemed,  and  a  strong  grower. 

Prairie  Baltimore  Belle,  nearly  white,  very  perfect  form, 
quite  double,  blooming  in  clusters. 

Superba,  blush,  a  very  profuse  bloomer  in  rich  clus- 
ters, perfectly  double. 

Purpurea,  rosy  purple,  imbricated,  very  double ;  said 

to  bloom  again  in  the  autumn. 

"  Anne  Maria,  pale  rose,  large  and  double. 

Mrs.  Hovey,  blush  white. 

Mrs.  Pierce,  fine  pink,  perfect  form. 

Pride  of  Washington,  rosy  violet,  beautiful. 


Russelliana,  Cottage  Hose,  and  Scarlet  Grevillia :  this  is  a 
distinct  article  in  growth  from  any  other  of  this 
group ;  it  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  does  not  climb  so 
freely ;  still  it  DDakes  a  lovely  pillar  rose  with  large 
clusters  of  bright  crimson  shaded  flowers. 

Triumphant,  bright  cherry  red,  very  distinct  and  perfectly 
double. 


ROSA  MICROPHTLLA  (OR  SMALL-LEAVED  ROSe). 

This  pretty  little  rose  was  originally  from  China,  and  since 
it  has  been  introduced,  several  additions  have  been  made  by 
cultivation ;  although  we  have  not  yet  seen  any  to  excel  the 
original  Hose  microphylla.  They  delight  in  light  rich  dry 
soils,  and  form  very  fine  bushes  for  grass-plats  or  small  lawns, 
and  generally  flower  the  whole  summer,  producing  their 
blooms  from  short  young  shoots  produced  from  the  wood  of 
two  or  three  years'  growth.  The  plants  should  all  have  a 
little  protection  the  first  winter  after  planting,  and  in  pruning, 
the  shoots  should  only  be  thinned  out,  or  any  dead  piece  cut 
off;  we  have  had  several  roses  under  very  enticing  names 
added  to  this  group,  such  as  striped  microphyV a,  crimson 
microphylla,  scarlet  microphylla,  all  deceptive;  and  even  the 
first  plant  that  came  out  as  double  white  proved  to  be  entirely 
single ;  but  there  is  now  a  genuine  double  white,  though  not 


April^  ROSA    MICROPHYLLA,  ETC.  83 

properly  a  microphylla.     The  following  few  are  all  we  liave 
Been  worth  cultivating : 

Microphylla.  This  rose  is  unique  in  every  character.  The 
foliage  is  very  small  and  neat,  and  the  calyx  thick 
and  bristly.  The  flowers  are  produced  at  the  extremity 
of  the  young  shoots  in  twos  and  threes,  according  to 
the  strength  of  the  plant  j  they  are  large  and  double ; 
the  exterior  petals  large  and  full ;  those  of  the  inte- 
rior are  very  short  and  thick-set;  the  colour  in  the 
centre  is  dark,  shading  lighter  towards  the  exterior ; 
the  spines  are  in  pairs  on  each  side  of  the  compound 
leaves.  It  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  greatly  esteemed, 
and  not  so  subject  to  be  attacked  by  insects  as  other 
roses. 

rubra,  dark  red,  having  every  character  of  the 

preceding.      They  are  frequently  called   "  The  Burr 
Rose,"  from  the  apppearance  of  the  bud. 

violac^,  reddish  violet ;  in  habit  very  similar  to 


the  former,  but  much  darker  in  colour,  and  is  a  true 
microphylla. 

Microphylla  odorata  alba,  yellowish  white,  perfectly  double, 
and  finely  scented ;  is  a  strong  grower,  and  very  con- 
stant bloomer. 

Maria  Leonida,  white,  centre  tinged  with  pink  ;  is  very 
sweet-scented — blooms  all  the  season — but  has  more 
the  habit  of  a  Macartney  than  Microphylla  Rose. 

We  have  now  concluded  our  few  descriptions  of  the  beau- 
tiful family  of  Roses  ;  informing  our  readers,  if  they  should 
think  it  brief,  we  can  assure  them  it  is  candid,  and  as  far  as 
we  know,  in  every  respect  impartial.  No  doubt  we  could 
have  given  many  beautiful  details  of  "  things"  we  never  saw 
and  probably  never  will ;  and  we  also  promise  that  a  few  of 
our  descriptions  will,  in  some  situations  and  peculiar  seasons, 
"come  short,"  or  perhaps  "overshoot  the  mark;"  for  it  is 
well  known  to  the  cultivator  that  double  roses  will  occa- 
sionally come  single,  and  red  roses  become  blush,  and  blush 
roses  frequently  bloom  entirely  white,  and  vice  versa.  We 
have  also  seen  a  moss  rose  bush  have  roses  and  shoots  en- 
tirely without  their  "  mossy  coat."  We  have  also  avoided  a 
few  of   high  standing  in  character ;    but  not  being  entirely 


84  CLIMBING   PLANTS.  lApril. 

known  to  us  in  their  intrinsic  worth,  a  description  of  them 
would  have  been  too  hazardous,  knowing  that  much  exagge- 
ration exists. 

The  Roses  and  all  their  allies,  described  in  this  month, 
should  be  planted  from  the  first  to  the  middle  of  the  month  • 
and  we  would  again  enforce  upon  our  rose  amateurs  the  ac- 
tual necessity  of  giving  soil  of  enriching  qualities  to  all  their 
roses ;  they  will  be  amply  repaid  for  their  trouble.  Nearly 
all  the  failures  of  roses  giving  a  grateful  and  even  universal 
satisfaction,  can  be  traced  to  bad  and  shallow  soils,  more  es- 
pecially in  our  city  gardens,  where  cheapness  of  workman- 
ship is  the  best  recommendation ;  consequently,  there  are  a 
few  inches  of  tolerahle-loohing  day  thrown  over  brickbats 
and  lime  rubbish,  and,  when  finished,  is  considered  a  "  fine 
job,"  because  it  is  done  cheap;  the  result  is,  that  often  the 
very  next  season  the  whole  has  to  be  gone  over  and  done 
in  a  permanent  manner ;  not  less  than  sixteen  or  eighteen 
inches  of  the  best  dark  loam  should  be  in  every  garden,  and 
that  well  incorporated  with  manure  at  least  one  year  old,  and 
also  have  a  portion  of  sand  or  fine  rotten  rock  thoroughly 
mixed  with  it ;  and  then,  and  not  till  then,  the  proprietor 
may  expect  satisfaction. 


CLIMBING  PLANTS. 

As  shade  is  much  required  in  this  country,  and  plants 
suitable  for  covering  arbours,  &c.,  eagerly  sought  for,  we  will 
make  a  few  remarks  on  those  which  are  preferred  for  their 
beauty,  growth,  hardiness,  &c. 

AristoIdcJiia  siplio  Birtliioort,  or  Dutchman' s  pipe,  is  a  very 
curious  blooming  plant,  with  extraordinary  large  foli- 
age, and  makes  an  excellent  arbour-twiner,  afi"ording 
a  dense  and  cooling  shade. 

Calystegia  pxihescens,  flower  double,  of  a  blush  white  colour, 
of  rather  free  growth ;  dies  down  in  winter  and  grows 
up  again  in  spring ;   blooms  from  June  to  August. 

Clematis  viticella  pulchella,  or  double  virgin's  bower,  is  an 
esteemed  climbing  plant,  of  rapid  growth,  with  large 
flowers  in  great  profusion  from  June  to  September. 
There  are  several  varieties  of  the  above,  two  of  them 


April.'}  CLIMBING   PLANTS.  85 

single,  and  it  is  said  that  there  is  likewise  a  double 
red. 

Clematis  coerulea,  0.  coeridea  grandijlora,  and  G.  azurea  gran- 
difiora.  This  beautiful  and  entirely  new  climber  is 
already  distinguished  by  three  distinct  names,  and 
has  been  several  times  figured,  each  time  with  more 
or  less  flattery.  I  must  confess  the  first  representa- 
tion I  saw  of  it,  truly  enchanted  me;  the  brilliancy 
of  its  blue  surpassing  every  flower  I  had  ever  beheld ; 
and  named  G.  azurea  grandiflora.  The  flowers  are 
frequently  four  or  five  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  fine 
bluish  violet  colour,  blooming  freely,  and  perfectly 
hardy,  the  most  magnificent  of  the  family. 

C.  Sieholdii,  or  bicolour.  This  is  another  of  Dr.  Van  Sie- 
bold's  Japan  additions,  and  is  nearly  related  to  C. 
florida.  The  leaves  and  branches,  however,  are  rather 
more  downy,  and  the  petals  £uff"used  with  violet 
spots  ;  the  anthers  are  also  of  a  violet  colour,  which 
has  given  it  the  name  of  bicolour;  it  is  of  graceful 
habit,  and  the  size  and  beauty  of  its  blossoms  render 
it  an  attractive  inhabitant  of  the  flower-garden. 

C.  fldmmida,  sweet-scented  virgin's  bower,  is  of  very  rapid 
gi'owth.  Established  plants  will  grow  from  twenty 
to  forty  feet  in  one  season,  producing  at  the  axils  of 
the  young  shoots,  large  panicles  of  small  white  flowers 
of  exquisite  fragrance ;  the  leaves  are  compound  pin- 
nate ;  in  bloom  from  July  to  November,  but  in  Au- 
gust, September,  and  October,  the  flowers  are  in  great 
profusion,  perfuming  the  whole  garden.  This  is  one 
of  the  best  climbing  hardy  plants,  and  ought  to  have 
a  situation  in  every  garden. 

C  montana,  mountain  virgin-bower,  flowers  in  large  clusters, 
very  pure  white,  a  strong  and  rapid  grower. 

C.  Virginidna,  is  of  rapid  growth,  and  well  adapted  for  ar- 
bours ;  flowers,  small  white  in  axillary  panicles,  dioe- 
cious, leaves  ternate,  segments  cordate,  acute,  coarsely 
toothed  and  lobed,  in  bloom  from  June  to  August.  A 
native,  and  a  little  fragrant. 

C.  a-?'spa,  or  Bell  Clematis,  is  a  native  plant  of  free  growth ; 
flowers  of  a  pink  colour,  in  clusters,  bell-shaped,  the 
points  of  the  petals  folding  backwards — a  little  fra- 
grant.    There  is  also  a  variety  having  purple  flowers- 
8 


86  CLIMBING  PLANTS.  lApril. 

C.  Jlbrida  plenb  is  a  fine  free-flowering  plant ;  though  gene- 
rally considered  a  shrub,  is  more  herbaceous  than 
shrubbery ;  the  flowers  are  large  double  white ;  in 
growth  will  not  exceed  ten  feet  in  one  season. 
Glycine  frutescens,  a  beautiful  native  climbing  shrub,  known 
in  our  gardens  under  that  name,  but  is  properly  Wis- 
teria frutesccns.  It  has  large  pendulous  branches  of 
blue  leguminose  (pea-like)  flowers,  blooming  from  May 
to  August;  pinnated  leaves  with  nine  ovate  downy 
leaflets ;  grows  freely. 

cJmiensis   is   given   to    Wisteria,    and   is    the   finest 

climbing  shrub  of  the  phaseolius  tribe.     The  flowers 
are  light  blue,  in  long  nodding,  many-flowered,  race- 
mose spikes,  blooming  from    5lay   to   August;    pro- 
fusely ;  leaves  pinnated  with  eleven   ovate  lanceolate 
silky  leaflets,  and  is  of  a  very  rapid  growth.     It  is 
perfectly  hardy,  withstanding  the  severity  of  our  win- 
ters without  protection. 
Bignbiiia  crucigera  is  an  evergreen  which  is  very  desirable  in 
many  situations,  being  likewise  of  luxuriant  growth. 
It  will   cover  in  a  few  years  an  area   of  fifty  feet ; 
flowers  of  an  orange  scarlet  colour,  blooming  from  May 
to  August. 
B.  grandijldra,   now   given   to    Tecbma,    has  large  orange- 
coloured  flowers,  blooming  from  June  to  August,  and 
grows  very  fast.     It  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  a  most 
magnificent  plant. 
B.  rddicans  is  likewise  given  to   Tecbma,  and  is  a  native 
plant.     When  in  flower  it  is  highly  ornamental,  but 
it  requires  great  attention  to  keep  it  in  regular  order, 
being  of  a  strong  rough  nature ;  in  bloom  from  June 
to  August. 
Periplaca  grceca,  silk  vine,   is    a    climber   of   extraordinary 
growth.     Well  established  plants  grow  thirty  or  forty 
feet  in  one  season ;  flowers  in  clusters  from  May  to 
July,  of  a  brownish-yellow  colour,  and  hairy  inside; 
leaves  smooth,  ovate  lanceolate,  wood  slender,  twining, 
and  clastic. 
Hedera  Helix,  Irish  Ivy,  is  a  valuable  evergreen  for  covering 
naked  walls,   or    any    other   unsightly   object.      The 
foliage  is  of  a  lively  green,  leaves  from  three  to  five 
angled.     There  are  several  varieties  of  it,  all  valuable 


April.']  CLIMBING   PLANTS.  87 

for  growing  in  confined  shady  situations  where  no  other 
plant  will  thrive. 
Ampelbpsis  liederacea.     This  plant  is. commonly  employed  for 
covering  walls,  for  which  the  rapidity  of  its  growth 
and  the  largeness  of  the  leaves  render  it  extremely 
appropriate.     There  are  several  species  of  the  genus, 
all  resembling  the  Vine  in  habit  and  in  flower. 
Tasminum  officinale,  garden  Jasmine.     This  delightful  climb- 
ing shrub  has  been  in  common  use  all  over  Europe 
for  covering  arbours  from  time  immemorial ;  its  white, 
delicate,  and  lovely  fragrant  flowers  render  it  a  great 
acquisition.     Unfortunately,  with  us,  it  is  rather  deli- 
cate for  our  winters,  unless  well  protected  by  a  south 
wall   or  other   building,   and   even   then,  when   in  a 
young  state,  must  be  protected;  but,  in  the  South, 
this  plant  and  also  the  yellow  Jasminum  revoliUum 
grow  luxuriantly  and  bloom    profusely,  and  even  J. 
grandlfidrum  is  a  hardy  shrub  in  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia.     J.  nudijloruin,  flowers  large,  bright  golden 
yellow,    a   new    and    desirable    species    from  Japan, 
flowers  very  early  in  spring. 
Lonicera,  or  more  properly  Caprifolium.      The  Honeysuckle. 
This  genus  of  flowering  odoriferous  climbing  shrubs 
are   principally  natives  of  this  country  :  they  are  all 
equally  beautiful ;  but  where  there  is  not  space  in 
our  city  gardens  to  cultivate  the  whole  family,  it  is 
ndispensable  to  have  C.  Jlrxudsiim,  the  Chinese  sweet- 
scented  or  evergreen  ;  it  blooms  in  May  and  Septem- 
ber, and  is  a  very  rapid  grower.      O.  Belgica  is  also  a 
charming  species;  it  blooms  the  whole  summer,  and 
is    very    odorous.       Our    native    C.   sempervirens,    or 
Coral  Honeysuckle,  is  not  easily  surpassed ;  its  pro- 
fuse and   brilliant  scarlet  flowers  render  it  the  most 
attractive  object  in  all  our  country  gardens.      C.  Jctpb- 
niciim  is  also  an  excellent  Chinese  species,  with  deli- 
cate orange-coloured  flowers  of  agreeable  sweetness, 
but  will  not  bear  our  winters  north  of  the  southern 
part  of  Virginia. 
2^-^*nora,  or  Passion  vine.      There  are  several  hardy  species 
for  this  latitude ;  but  the  only  very  beautiful  one  is 
F.  incarndta,  which,  although  it  dies  to  the  ground 
every  wmter,  yet  rill,  during  the  summer,  put  forth 


88  or   PLANTING    EVERGREEN    SHRUBS.  \_April 

shoots  from  twenty  to  forty  feet  long,  all  covered  with 
a  profusion  of  beautiful  purple  flowers. 

There  are  several  other  climbing  plants,  both  curious  and 
ornamenta. ;  but  our  limits  will  not  admit  of  farther  detail. 


DECIDUOUS  SHRUBS. 

Finish  planting  all  deciduous  shrubs  in  the  early  part  of 
the  month.  These  plants  are  generally  delayed  too  long; 
the  leaves  in  many  instances  are  beginning  to  expand,  thereby 
giving  a  check  to  the  ascending  sap,  which  we  may  safely 
assert  causes  the  death  of  one-third  of  the  plants,  when  per- 
haps the  operator  or  some  individual  more  distantly  concerned 
is  blamed. 

These  shrubs,  if  properly  removed  and  planted  at  the  exact 
starting  of  vegetation,  pressing  the  earth  close  to  their  roots 
when  planting  (previously  taking  care  that  the  small  fibre,i 
have  not  become  dry,  by  exposure),  there  will  not  one  out  of 
fifty  fail  by  these  simple  attentions.  Those  that  are  late 
planted  should  have  frequent  waterings,  and,  if  large,  firmly 
supported,  that  the  wind  may  have  no  efi"ect  in  disturbing  the 
young  and  tender  fibrous  roots. 


OF  PLANTING  EVERGREEN  SHRUBS. 

Now  is  the  season  to  j)lant  all  kinds  of  evergreen  trees  and 
shrubs.  In  most  seasons,  the  middle  of  the  month  is  the 
most  proper  time,  the  weather  then  being  mild  and  moist; 
or  if  a  late  season,  defer  it  to  the  end  of  the  month.  When 
planted  earlier,  they  will  remain  dormant  until  this  time, 
and  their  tender  fibrous  roots  in  that  case  frequently  perish 
from  their  liability  to  injury  from  frost  or  frosty  winds,  being 
more  susceptible  of  such  injury  than  fibres  of  deciduous 
plants.  They  now  begin  to  vegetate,  which  is  the  grand 
criterion  for  transplanting  any  plant.  The  buds  begin  to 
swell,  the  roots  to  push,  and  if  they  can  be  quickly  lifted 
and  replanted,  they  will  hardly  receive  a  check.  At  all 
events,  care  must  be  taken  that  they  are  not  long  out  of  the 
ground  and  exposed  to  the  air,  whi  )h  greatly  assists  the  sue- 


April.']  CARE  OF  CHOICE  BULBS.  89 

cess  in  planting.  It  may  be  observed  that  evergreens  in 
general  succeed  the  better  the  smaller  they  are,  although  we 
have  seen  plants,  trees,  and  evergreens  upward  of  thirteen 
feet  high,  and  fifteen  in  diameter,  successfully  lifted,  and 
carried  several  miles.*  By  the  second  year  there  was  no 
appearance  that  such  operation  had  taken  place.  In  prepar- 
ing a  hole  for  the  reception  of  these  plants,  make  it  larger 
than  the  roots,  breaking  the  bottom  thereof  fine,  and  putting 
in  some  fi*esh  soil.  Place  the  plant  upright  in  the  centre, 
putting  in  the  earth  and  breaking  it  fine,  and  give  the  plant 
a  few  gentle  shakes.  When  the  roots  are  more  than  half 
covered,  put  in  a  pot  or  pailful  of  water,  allowing  it  to  sub- 
side; then  cover  all  the  roots,  give  a  second  or  third  pailful, 
and  when  subsided,  the  earth  will  be  close  to  all  the  roots. 
Cover  with  more  earth,  pressing  all  firm  with  the  foot.  Put 
more  soil  loosely  on,  which  will  give  it  a  finished  appearance, 
and  prevent  it  from  becoming  dry,  and  not  require  mulching, 
which  has  an  unsightly  appearance.  All  that  the  wind  will 
have  any  hurtful  eifect  upon  must  be  firmly  supported,  espe- 
cially large  plants.  If  the  weather  sets  in  dry  and  hot,  they 
should  be  watered  as  often  as  necessity  shall  direct. 

Those  that  are  established,  it  will  be  necessary  to  go  over 
them  (if  not  already  done)  to  cut  off  all  wood  killed  in  winter, 
and  also  to  thin  them  if  too  thick  and  crowded. 

When  the  above  is  done,  let  every  part  of  the  shrubbery  be 
dressed  off  as  directed  in  March.  Shrubs  of  all  kinds  will 
now  begin  to  look  gay  and  lively,  which  may  be  very  much 
heightened  or  depreciated,  according  to  the  state  in  which  the 
ground  and  contiguous  walks  are  kept.  Always  keep  in  view 
that  weeds  are  no  objects  of  beauty. 


CARE  OP  CHOICE  BULBS. 

Hi/acintlis  of  the  earliest  sorts  will  begin  to  expand  and 
show  their  colours ;  of  which  we  can  boast  of  a  few  as  fine 
sorts  in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia  as  in  any  garden  of 
Europe ;  but  even  these  very  superior  sorts,  when  in  bloom, 
are  too  frequently  neglected,  being  allowed  to  stand  without 
rods,  stakes,  or   any  means  of  support,  likewise  equally  ex- 

*  See  Mr.  M'Nab's  rich  pamphlet  treatise  on  removing  evergreens,  &c. 

8* 


90  CARE  OP  CHOICE  BULBS.  lAjoril 

posed  to  drenching  rains  and  scorching  suns ;  and  the  finest 
collections  may  be  seen  after  heavy  rains  prostrate  on  the 
ground,  whereas  a  few  hours'  trouble  would  give  them  the 
requisite  support,  thereby  preserving  their  beauty  much 
longer,  and  giving  more  gratification.  As  soon  as  the  stems 
advance  to  any  height,  they  should  be  supported  by  wires, 
rods,  &c.,  and  tied  slightly  thereto  with  threads  of  matting, 
or  any  other  substitute;  repeat  the  tying  as  they  advance, 
avoid  tying  among  the  florets,  because  they  grow  by  exten- 
sion, and  are  liable  to  be  broken  off  by  so  doing.  The  sun 
deteriorates  the  colours  very  much,  especially  the  red,  blue, 
and  yellow  sorts;  whereas,  if  they  were  simply  protected 
from  the  sun  by  an  awning  of  thin  canvass,  the  colours  would 
be  preserved  and  the  beauty  protracted.  If  there  are  stakes 
drove  into  the  ground  on  each  side  of  the  beds,  about  three 
feet  high,  with  others  in  the  centre  about  eight  feet,  having 
laths  or  hoops  from  the  side  to  the  centre,  formed  similar  to 
the  roof  of  a  house,  so  that  people  may  walk  or  sit  under  it, 
the  canvass  or  awning  being  thin,  to  admit  of  the  light  freely, 
the  effect  in  the  time  of  sunshine,  from  the  brilliancy  of  the 
colours,  is  peculiarly  gratifying.  Where  an  awning  is  thus 
erected,  it  requires  to  be  kept  on  only  from  nine  to  three 
o'clock  in  sunshiny  days,  and  during  nights  or  time  of  rain, 
allowing  the  awning  on  the  most  northern  side  to  come  close 
to  the  ground,  when  necessary,  to  shelter  them  from  cold, 
cutting  winds. 

The  properties  of  a  good  Hyacinth  are,  namely — the  stem 
strong  and  erect,  the  florets  or  bells  occupying  one-half  of 
the  stem,  each  floret  suspended  by  a  short  strong  footstalk, 
longest  at  the  bottom ;  the  uppermost  floret  quite  erect,  so 
that  the  whole  may  form  a  pyramid.  Each  floret  well  filled 
with  petals  rising  toward  the  centre,  that  it  may  appear  to 
the  eye  a  little  convex.  Regarding  colour,  fancy  does  not 
agree,  and  the  most  scrupulous  cultivators  differ  materially. 
However,  the  more  pure  and  bright  the  finer,  or  a  white 
with  a  pink  centre,  or  the  centre  of  the  petals  with  a  paler 
or  deeper  colour  appearing  striped,  which  is  considered  to 
have  a  good  effect. 

Tulips  in  every  respect  should  have  the  same  care  and 
protection,  never  neglecting  to  have  the  beds  with  a  smooth 
clean  surface,  and  the  stems  neatly  tied  up,  although  they 
are  not  in  so  much  danger  as  Hyacinths. 


Aprill  ANEMONES  AND  RANUNCULUS.  91 

The  characters  of  a  good  TuHp  are  —  the  stem  strong, 
elastic,  and  erect,  about  two  feet  high ;  the  flower  large  and 
composed  of  six  petals,  proceeding  a  little  horizontally  at 
first,  and  then  turning  upward,  forming  a  flat-bottomed  cup, 
rather  widest  at  the  top ;  the  three  exterior  petals  should  be 
larger  than  the  three  interior  ones,  and  broader  at  their 
base ;  the  edges  of  the  petals  entire,  free  from  notch  or  rug- 
gedness;  the  top  of  each  well  rounded.  The  colour  of  the 
flower  at  the  bottom  of  the  cup  ought  to  be  pure  white,  or 
yellow,  and  the  rich-coloured  stripes,  which  are  the  principal 
ornament,  should  be  pure,  bold,  regular,  and  distinct  on  the 
margin,  and  terminate  in  fine  points  elegantly  pencilled. 
The  centre  of  each  petal  should  have  one  bold  stripe,  or 
blotch,  of  rich  colouring.  The  ground  colours  that  are  most 
esteemed  are  white,  the  purer  the  finer;  or,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  dark  grounds,  and  of  course  the  darker  the  better ; 
but  these  vary  in  estimation,  according  to  the  prevailing  taste 
'~f  amateurs. 

ANEMONES    AND    RANUNCULUS. 

Moist  weather  and  frequent  showers  are  highly  essential 
to  the  perfecting  of  these  flowers ;  and  if  these  should  fail  at 
this  season  of  the  year,  artificial  means  must  be  used  to  sup- 
ply the  deficiency.  Take  a  watering-pot  without  the  rose, 
and  run  the  water  (river  or  rain  water  is  best)  gently  between 
the  rows,  taking  care  not  to  make  holes  in  the  ground. 
When  they  have  got  a  good  watering  at  root,  take  the 
syringe  and  give  them  a  gentle  sprinkling  in  fine  evenings, 
observing  not  to  use  force,  for  fear  of  breaking  the  flower- 
stems.  In  dry  weather,  the  result  of  a  deficiency  of  water 
would  be,  that  the  stems  and  flowers  of  the  strongest  roots 
will  be  weak  and  make  no  progress,  and  many  of  them  will 
not  bloom ;  the  foliage  of  a  sickly,  yellow  aj^pearance,  from 
which  they  would  not  recover ;  and  the  roots,  when  taken 
up,  are  of  little  use  for  farther  transplanting. 

A  good  plan  in  dry  seasons  is  to  cover  the  ground  between 
the  rows  with  cow  manure,  which  will  prevent  the  moisture 
from  evaporating ;  and  the  rain  or  water  passing  through  it 
greatly  enriches  the  soil  and  strengthens  the  roots. 


92  CHARACTER   OP  A  PINE  AURICULA.  {^April 


CHARACTER    OF    A   FINE   RANUNCULUS. 

"  It  is  indispensable  for  a  good  ranunculus  to  have  a  ptera 
about  eight  or  twelve  inches  high,  strong  enough  to  support 
the  flower,  and  quite  upright.  The  form  of  the  flower  should 
be  hemispherical,  not  less  than  two  inches  in  diameter,  con- 
sisting of  numerous  petals,  gradually  diminishing  in  size  to 
the  centre,  lying  over  each  other,  so  as  neither  to  be  too 
close  nor  too  much  separated,  but  having  more  of  a  perpen- 
dicular than  a  horizontal  direction,  in  order  to  display  the 
colours  with  better  efi'ect.  The  petals  should  be  broad,  with 
entire  well-rounded  edges,  their  colours  dark,  clear,  rich,  or 
brilliant,  either  of  one  colour  or  variously  diversified,  on  a 
ground  of  cinereous  white,  primrose,  yellow,  or  flame  colour, 
or  diversifled  with  elegant  stripes,  spots,  or  mottlings.'^ 


AURICULAS. 

Having  under  this  head  last  month  given  ample  directions 
for  the  treatment  of  these  plants  previous  to  flowering,  we 
refer  to  that  head  to  avoid  repetition. 


CHARACTER   OP   A  FINE   AURICULA. 

The  pips  should  be  large,  flat,  and  round,  with  ground 
colour  equal  on  every  side  of  the  eye,  which  should  be  quite 
circular,  as  icell  as  the  edge.  The  tube  a  bright  lemon-yel- 
low, perfectly  round,  well  filled  with  the  anthers  or  thrum, 
the  eye  round  and  large,  the  body  colour  black  or  violet,  the 
meal  fine ;  the  colour,  in  green-edged  flowers,  should  be  a 
whole  one,  not  a  shaded  green.  The  stem  strong,  and  suffi- 
ciently long  to  bear  the  truss  above  the  foliage — the  truss 
to  consist  of  not  less  than  five  full-blown  pips ;  only  one  stem 
allowed. 

CARNATIONS,   PINKS,  ETC. 

If  any  of  these  were  omitted  to  be  shifted  last  month,  or 
planted  out  according  to  directions  therein  given,  let  it  be 


April']         POLIANTHES  TUBEROSA   FLORE   PLENO.  93 

done  forthwith.  Where  they  are  still  protected  with  frames, 
give  them  plenty  of  air,  keeping  the  sashes  entirely  off  during 
the  day,  keep  the  pots  perfectly  free  from  weeds,  and  give 
the  foliage  frequent  sprinklings  with  water. 

Polyanthus  and  Primroses  will  be  exhibiting  their  beauti 
ful  flowers.  They  require  the  same  treatment,  and  delight 
in  moisture  and  a  shaded  situation.  Do  not  sprinkle  them 
while  in  flower,  and  keep  them  clear  of  weeds  or  decayed 
leaves,  never  exposing  them  to  the  sun.  They  are  very 
hardy,  and,  where  required,  may  be  planted  in  very  shady 
situations,  for  they  will  sufi"er  more  from  the  influence  of  the 
sun's  rays  than  from  frost.  Those  plants  in  pots  in  general 
that  have  been  protected  in  frames,  and  are  destined  for  the 
borders,  should  now  as  soon  as  possible  be  planted  in  their 
destined  situations,  having  nothing  to  fear  from  chilling 
winds  or  frosts  after  the  middle  of  this  month,  except  in  un- 
common seasons.  Those  that  are  to  be  kept  in  pots,  if  not 
repotted,  do  it  immediately,  and  give  regular  supplies  of  water. 


CHARACTER  OP  A  POLYANTHUS. 

The  pips  large,  flat,  and  round,  with  small  indentures  be- 
tween each  division  of  the  limb,  dividing  the  pip  into  heart- 
like segments  edged  with  bright  yellow;  the  edge  and  the  eye 
ought  to  be  of  the  same  colour,  the  truss  to  consist  of  not  less 
than  five  full-blown  pips,  supported  on  a  strong  stem,  standing 
well  above  the  foliage. 


POLIANTHES  TUBEROSA  FLORE  PLENO. 

This  very  popular  bulb,  generally  known  as  Tuberose,  has 
been  cultivated  in  England  upwards  of  two  centuries,  whence 
we,  no  doubt,  have  received  it,  and  now  can  return  those  of 
our  production  to  supply  their  demand.  The  flowers  are 
many  and  highly  odoriferous,  and  of  the  purest  white,  and 
on  a  flower -stem  from  three  to  five  feet  high.  To  have  them 
in  the  greatest  perfection,  they  should  be  planted  in  a  lively 
hot  bed,  about  the  first  of  this  month,  in  six  inch  pots  filled 
with  light  rich  earth,  giving  very  little  water  until  they  begin 
to  grow,  when  they  ought  to  be  liberally  supplied  with  plenty 


94  heart's  ease  or  pansy.       [April. 

of  air,  and  about  the  end  of  nest  month  they  may  be  planted 
in  the  borders,  providing  a  spot  for  them  that  is  or  has  been 
well  worked,  and  enriched  with  well-decomposed  manure. 
Secure  their  flower-stems  to  proper  rods.  Previous  to  plant- 
ing the  roots,  all  the  off-sets  should  be  taken  off  and  planted 
separately ;  keep  the  crown  of  the  bulb  level  with  the  surface 
of  the  pot,  and  when  they  are  replanted  in  the  open  ground, 
put  them  two  inches  deeper. 

But  when  the  convenience  of  a  hot-bed  cannot  be  obtained, 
they  will  succeed  very  well  if  planted  about  the  end  of  this 
month  or  first  of  next  in  the  garden,  in  a  bed  of  earth  pre- 
pared for  their  reception.  Let  it  be  dug  deep,  and  make 
the  soil  light  and  rich,  by  giving  it  a  good  supply  of  manure 
two  years  old,  well  broken  and  incorporated  with  the  earth, 
adding  a  little  sand  where  the  soil  is  heavy.  The  black  earth 
from  the  woods,  produced  from  decayed  leaves,  is  equally  as 
good  without  sand.  Having  the  ground  in  proper  order,  draw 
drills  about  four  inches  deep  and  eighteen  inches  apart ;  plant 
the  bulbs  (after  divesting  them  of  their  off-sets)  nine  inches 
apart  in  a  row,  covering  the  crown  of  the  bulb  about  an  inch 
and  a  half  When  done,  carefully  rake  and  finish  off  the 
beds.  When  they  shoot  up  their  flower-stems,  give  them 
neat  rods  for  their  support.  Plant  the  off-sets  in  closer  rows 
to  produce  flowering-roots  for  next  year,  because  they  seldom 
flower  the  second  time. 


ON  THE  CULTURE  OF  THE  HEARt'S-EASE  OR  PANSY  (VIOLA 

tricolor). 

The  simplicity  and  striking  beauty  of  this  lovely  little 
flower  have  attracted  notice  from  the  earliest  floral  times,  but 
it  is  only  within  these  few  years  that  it  has  come  into  high 
estimation  as  a  florist's  flower.  Indeed,  when  the  figures  and 
descriptive  characters  of  these  "  little  gems"  came  first  front. 
England  to  this  country,  we  were  almost  induced  to  believe 
they  were  exaggerated  "  pictures  of  fancy,"  till  we  actually 
cultivated  them  within  these  last  two  years,  in  our  own 
parterre,  upwards  of  two  inches  in  diameter. 

They  delight  in  a  situation  partially  shaded  from  the  hot 
rays  of  the  sun,  either  fully  exposed  to  the  morning  rays  till 
ten  o'clock,  or  the  afternoon  sun  from  three  o'clock ;  a  soil 


April.']  heart's-ease  or  pansy.  95 

composed  of  four  parts  good  loam  and  one  part  thoroughly 
rotted  manure,  or  three  parts  loam  and  one  part  decayed 
leaves,  not  less  than  one  foot  deep :  the  soil  must  not  be 
more  elevated  than  the  surrounding  surface,  as  they  like  a 
good  supply  of  moisture.  If  they  are  to  be  cultivated  from 
seeds,  they  should  be  thinly  sown  about  the  first  of  the  month, 
or  about  the  end  of  August  or  first  of  September,  and  very 
lightly  covered  with  fine  soil,  giving  them  very  frequent 
waterings  in  dry  weather.  Those  sown  now  will  bloom  in 
July,  and  very  profusely  in  the  autumn ;  but  those  sown  in 
the  latter  period  will  not  bloom  till  early  the  following  spring. 
When  any  very  esteemed  variety  is  raised,  it  should  be  pro- 
pagated, which  is  very  easily  done,  either  by  layers  or  cut- 
tings, and  sometimes  by  division  of  the  root,  but  the  two 
former  methods  are  preferable.  The  best  time  for  laying  is 
about  the  first  of  September :  an  inch  or  two  of  the  soil  may 
be  removed  all  round  the  plant,  the  shoots  laid  down  in  the 
hollow,  and  covered  over  with  light  rich  compost.  The 
shoots  will  root  more  freely  if  they  get  a  gentle  twist  when 
laying  them  down.  The  best  period  for  propagating  by 
cuttings  is  about  the  middle  of  this  month  or  September. 
Cuttings  should  be  chosen  from  young  shoots,  about  two  or 
three  inches  long ;  for  when  shoots  are  woody  or  hollow  they 
will  either  not  strike  at  all  or  produce  unhealthy  plants.  A 
shaded  but  airy  situation  is  preferable,  and  if  the  soil  is  of  a 
light  sandy  nature,  the  better  success  will  attend  the  opera- 
tion :  the  cuttings  should  be  firmly  inserted  from  one  to  two 
inches  deep  in  the  ground,  and  covered  with  a  glass,  or  where 
that  convenience  is  not  at  hand,  they  may  be  shaded  during 
the  day  with  oiled  paper,  or  any  similar  substitutes.  In  pre- 
paring the  cuttings,  care  ought  to  be  taken  to  cut  close  to  a 
joint,  a  rule  which  should  be  strictly  attended  to  in  making 
cuttings  of  every  description.  When  they  uive  fairly  rooted 
and  taken  a  growth,  they  can  be  removed  '.n  cloudy,  moist 
weather,  to  their  proper  allotments.  Seeds  ought  to  be  care- 
fully collected  from  the  finer  sorts,  and  sown  is  soon  there- 
after as  convenience  will  allow,  as  they  deteriorate  by  long 
keeping.  Many  hundreds  of  named  varieties  are  carefully 
cultivated  in  England.  A  select  list  sent  contains  only  three 
hundred  and  seventy-four  names.  To  attempt  a  general  or 
even  brief  description  of  them  in  this  work,  would  be  consi- 
dered by  many  of  our  friends  prolix  and  unnecessary  j  but 


96  JACOBEA   LILY.  lApril. 

the  following  criteria  of  a  fine  Pansy  has  just  passed  a  select 
committee  of  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Socioty  : — 

"  The  chief  object  to  be  desired  is  symmetry  of  the  flower. 
The  petals  should  be  large,  broad,  and  flat,  lying  upon  each 
other  so  as  to  form  a  circle,  and  prevent  anything  like  angles 
or  intersections  of  this  circular  outline.  The  petals  should 
be  as  nearly  of  a  size  as  possible,  the  two  top  ones  being  the 
largest,  but  so  covered  with  the  two  side  ones  as  not  to 
appear  disproportioned.  The  top  petals  should  not  wave  or 
bend  back.  The  bottom  petal  should  be  broad  and  two- 
lobed,  flat,  and  not  curving  inward ;  above  an  inch  in  breadth 
is  a  good  size ;  the  colours  should  be  clear,  brilliant,  and  not 
changing.  The  eye  should  not  be  too  large,  and  it  is  ac- 
counted finest  when  the  pencilling  is  so  arranged  as  to  form  a 
dark  angular  spot. 

"  The  flower-stalk  should  be  long  and  stiff",  rather  than 
slender." 


GLADIOLUS,    OR   SWORD   LILY. 

It  is  now  a  well-ascertained  fact  that  the  whole  of  this 
beautiful  family  will  succeed  well  with  a  treatment  similar 
to  the  tuberose,  requiring  to  be  two  or  three  weeks  earlier 
planted  :  indeed,  G.  communis  and  its  varieties  are  perfectly 
hardy ;  but  the  splendid  G.  psittannus,  with  large  yellow, 
red,  and  green  flowers ;  G.  cardinalis,  scarlet  and  white ;  G. 
blaiidus,  rose  and  white;  G.  florabundus,  shaded  rose  5  G. 
formosissimus,  magnificent  scarlet;  G.  Gandavensis,  large 
and  superb  orange,  scarlet  and  yellow;  G.  ramosus,  delicate 
waxy  pink,  of  strong  growth;  G.  Buistii,  bright  scarlet 
shaded  with  orange  and  yellow,  splendid ;  and  several  others 
are  worthy  of  the  greatest  care  and  attention.  Their  large 
spikes  of  showy  flowers  will  well  compensate  for  an  extra 
degree  of  care  in  preparation  of  soil,  &c. 


AMARYLLIS   PORMOSISSIMA,   OR  JACOBEA  LILY. 

About  the  end  of  this  or  beginning  of  next  month  is  the 
most  proper  time  for  planting  out  these  bulbs.  This  flower 
is  of  the  most  beautiful  and  rich  crimson  velvet  colour.     Th* 


April.'}  TIGER-FLOWER.  97 

bulb  generally  produces  two  stems,  the  one  after  the  otber, 
about  the  end  of  May  or  first  of  June.  The  stem  is  from 
nine  inches  to  one  foot  high,  surmounted  by  a  single  flower, 
composed  of  six  petals,  three  hanging  down,  three  erect  and 
recurved;  the  stamens  droop  on  the  centre  of  the  under 
petals.  The  flower  thus  appears  nodding  on  one  side  of  the 
stem,  and  has  a  most  graceful  and  charming  appearance.  If 
planted  in  a  bed,  prepare  the  ground  as  before  directed  for 
Tuberoses.  Keep  the  rows  one  foot  asunder,  and  the  bulbs 
six  inches  apart  in  the  rows,  covering  them  two  inches  over 
their  crowns.  This  plant  is  now  called  Spreikelia  formosis- 
shna,  and  we  think  properly,  too,  for  its  character  and  habit 
differ  from  Amari/Uis. 

We  have  not  the  smallest  doubt  that,  in  a  few  years,  not 
only  this  superb  South  American  bulb  will  adorn  our  flower- 
gardens,  but  many  of  the  rich  bulbs  of  Bi'azil  and  South 
America  generally  will  yearly  exhibit  to  us  the  beauty  of 
their  colours,  and  the  beautiful  construction  of  their  flowers 
and  foliage,  of  which  we  are  now  generally  deprived,  perhaps 
because  we  have  not  the  conveniency  of  a  proper  hot-house 
for  their  protection  during  winter.  But  it  will  be  found,  in 
many  instances,  that  these  bulbs  will  do  perfectly  well  to  be 
kept  dry  in  a  warm  room  from  October  to  May,  when  the 
heat  of  our  summer  is  sufiicient  for  the  perfection  of  their 
flowers,  and  many  species  will  ripen  their  seeds.  The  bulb 
that  is  known  as  Amaryllis  Belladonna,  now  called  Bella- 
donna purpurdscens,  is  hardy. 


TIGER-FLOWER. 

Tigridia,  a  genus  of  Mexican  bulbs  belonging  to  Mona- 
delpliia  Tridndria,  producing  the  most  beautiful  flowers  of 
the  natural  order  of  Iridece.  T.  pavbnia  is  of  the  brightest 
scarlet,  tinged  and  spotted  with  pure  yellow.  T.  conchijiora, 
colour  rich  yellow,  tinged  and  spotted  with  bright  crimson ; 
flower  larger  than  the  former.  The  colours  are  very  rich,  and 
purely  contrasted.  The  corolla  is  about  four  inches  in 
diameter,  composed  of  six  petals  ;  the  outer  are  reflexod.  The 
flower,  though  splendid  in  beauty,  exists  only  one  day ;  but, 
to  compensate  for  that,  a  plant  will  produce  flowers  for 
9 


98  WALKS.  lApril. 

several  weeks ;  and  where  a  bed  of  them  can  be  collected, 
they  will  bloom  in  profusion  from  July  to  September.  They 
like  a  light,  rich,  free  soil,  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches 
deep.  Lift  the  bulbs  in  October,  and  preserve  them  as  di- 
rected in  that  month  for  Tuberoses.  Be  sure  that  they  be 
kept  dry  and  secure  from  frost.  A  bed  of  these  should  be 
in  every  garden.  A  writer  says,  "  It  is  the  most  beautiful 
flower  that  is  cultivated."  Plant  them  about  the  end  of  this 
or  first  of  next  month^  if  in  beds,  keep  them  six  inches  apart 
in  the  row,  and  one  foot  apart  from  row  to  row. 


WALKS. 

The  walks  in  general  should  be  put  in  the  neatest  order 
during  this  month.  Little  requires  to  be  added  to  the  ob- 
servations of  last  month ;  but  if  these  have  not  been  executed, 
fail  not  to  have  them  done  the  first  opportunity,  choosing  dry 
weather  for  the  operation  of  turning  the  old  or  adding  new 
gravel  to  them,  levelling,  raking,  and  rolling  neatly  as  you 
proceed.  Always  after  rain  give  the  whole  of  the  gravel  walks 
a  good  rolling.  This  being  frequently  done  during  the  early 
part  of  the  season,  will  be  a  saving  of  much  labour  and  time 
through  the  summer.  The  walks  having  a  firm  surface,  the 
growth  of  weeds  will  be  retarded,  and  the  heavy  rains  will  not 
be  so  apt  to  injure  them.  Where  there  are  any  pretensions 
to  keeping  these  in  order,  they  ought  to  be  picked  of  weeds 
and  litter  once  a  week,  and  gone  over  with  the  roller  at  least 
once  every  two  weeks  during  the  season. 

Sweep  and  divest  the  grass  walks  or  plats  of  all  worm- 
casts,  litter,  &c.,  cutting  the  edgings  neatly.  Mow  the  grass 
every  two  or  three  weeks  from  this  time  to  October,  sweep- 
ing ofi"  the  grass  clean  each  time,  and  give  frequent  rollings 
to  keep  the  surface  smooth.  If  any  require  to  be  laid  with 
turf,  delay  it  no  longer.  For  direction,  see  last  month.  The 
above  observations  on  walks  in  general  will  apply  through 
the  season ;  therefore,  we  will  not  repeat  this  subject  until 
October. 


April.']  BOX   EDGINGS.  99 


EVERGREEN    HEDGES. 

We  have  previously  observed,  under  the  head  Evergreens, 
that  this  is  the  best  season  for  their  replanting.  We  cannot 
pass  over  the  observations  of  this  month  without  having 
reference  to  evergreen  hedges,  so  much  neglected  among  us, 
and  yet  so  important  to  the  diversity  of  aspect,  and  especially 
to  soften  a  little  the  gloomy  appearance  of  our  winters. 
There  are  three  indigenous  shrubs,  and  at  least  three  exotics, 
that  are  well  adapted  for  the  purpose,  viz.,  Pinus  Canadensis, 
Hemlock-spruce;  Thuja  occidentdHs,  American  arbor-vitae; 
Thitja  orientdlis,  Chinese  arbor-vitae;  and  Jiiniperis  Virgi- 
nidna,  Red-cedar.  Where  there  is  to  be  a  hedge  of  any  of 
these  planted,  select  plants  about  two  feet  high ;  lift  them 
carefully,  preserving  the  roots  as  much  as  possible.  Dig  a 
trench  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet  wide,  and  from  one 
to  one  foot  and  a  half  deep.  This  will  admit  the  soil  to  be 
well  broken  about  the  roots,  which  must  be  done  in  planting. 
Keep  the  plants  in  the  centre  of  the  trench,  mixing  the 
shortest  and  the  tallest,  that  it  may  be  of  one  height,  putting 
the  earth  close  about  their  roots  as  you  proceed,  and  make  it 
firm  with  the  foot;  fill  up,  and  water  as  directed  for  ever- 
greens in  this  month.  If  the  season  is  very  dry,  give  it  fre- 
quent copious  waterings. 

None  of  them  should  be  topped  for  a  few  seasons,  except 
such  as  are  much  above  the  others  in  height,  keeping  the 
sides  regular  and  even  by  clipping  or  shearing  once  a  year, 
either  in  this  month  or  at  the  end  of  August.  It  is  better 
to  keep  the  top  (when  they  have  got  to  the  desired  height) 
pointed  than  broad.  The  latter  method  retains  a  heavy 
weight  of  snow,  which  frequently  breaks  down,  or  otherwise 
deforms,  that  which  has  cost  much  labour  to  put  into  shape. 

Euonymus  japonica,  bright  green  foliage  of  free  growth 
and  quite  hardy.  There  is  also  the  variegated  variety,  very 
excellent  for  hedges  south  of  this  latitude. 


BOX   EDGINGS. 

Where  these  have  not  been  laid,  this  month  is  the  proper 
time.  Do  not  delay  the  planting  of  such  any  later.  For 
ample  directions,  see  M^rdi^  JuMflaa .  this!;:^ead .     Clipping  of 


dmcti  of  H^ 


100      CARE  OP  PLANTS  COMING  INTO  FLOWER.  [^April. 

these  should  be  done  about  the  middle  of  this  month. 
There  will  then  be  no  danger  of  frosts  to  brown  the  leaves, 
and  the  young  foliage  will  not  be  expanded.  To  keep  these 
edgings  in  order,  they  must  be  cut  once  a  year,  and  never  be 
allowed  to  get  above  four  inches  high  and  two  inches  wide. 
What  we  consider  the  neatest  edging  is  three  inches  high, 
two  inches  wide  at  the  bottom,  tapering  to  a  thin  edge  at  the 
top.  It  is  very  unsightly  to  see  large  bushy  edgings,  espe- 
cially to  narrow  walks. 

The  use  of  edgings  is  to  keep  the  soil  from  the  gravel,  and 
the  larger  they  are  allowed  to  grow,  the  more  ineflFectual  they 
become ;  growing  more  open  below  as  they  advance  in  height. 
The  operation  may  be  done  very  expeditiously  by  clipping 
the  tops  level,  going  longitudinally  along  with  shears  for  the 
purpose,  called  "  box  shears."  Strain  a  line  along  the  centre 
of  the  edgings,  cutting  perpendicularly  from  the  line  to  the 
bottom  on  each  side,  leaving  only  the  breadth  of  the  line  at 
top.  Edgings  cut  in  this  manner,  every  spring,  will  alwaya 
look  well,  and  the  trouble,  comparatively,  is  a  mere  trifle. 


GENERAL  CARE  OF  PLANTS  COMING  INTO  FLOWER. 

Every  part  of  the  flower-ground  should  be  put  into  neat 
order,  giving  such  plants  about  the  borders  as  are  shooting 
up  their  flower-stems,  and  are  tender,  and  in  danger  of  being 
hurt  or  broken  by  the  wind,  proper  sticks  or  rods  for  their 
support.  In  doing  this,  endeavour  to  conceal  the  rods,  &c., 
as  much  as  possible,  by  dressing  the  stems  and  leaves  in  a 
natural-looking  manner  over  them.  Let  the  stakes  be  in 
proportion  to  the  height  and  growth  of  the  plants.  It  looks 
very  unsightly  to  see  strong  stakes  to  short  and  weak-growing 
plants.     The  tyiugs  likewise  should  be  proportionate. 

Examine  all  the  beds  and  patches  of  seedling  flowers  now 
coming  up,  and  let  them  be  refreshed  with  water  as  it  may 
be  necessary,  and  pick  out  the  weeds  as  they  appear. 

We  cannot  leave  this  department  at  this  season  of  the  year 
without  enforcing  the  benefit  and  beauty  that  will  result 
from  keeping  the  weeds  down  during  this  and  the  next 
month.  Therefore  strictly  observe  that  there  are  none  run- 
ning to  seed  in  any  part  of  the  garden  ;  in  fact,  they  ought 
not  to  be  allowed  to  rear  their  heads  one  day  in  sight. 

Didsion  of  Horticulture, 


May.']  DAHLIAS.  101 


MAY. 

As  the  season  for  planting  out  the  Dahlia  is  now  ap- 
proaching, we  will  endeavour  to  give  our  readers  the  whole 
subject  of  their  management,  so  as  to  insure  a  good  bloom 
of  this,  the  most  fashionable  and  popular  ornamental  plant  of 
the  present  day.  As  very  many  are  entirely  unacquainted 
with  the  nature  and  even  the  habits  of  the  plant,  a  brief 
synopsis  ^f  its  history  will  assist  in  giving  a  key  to  its  cul- 
ture. The  plant  was  first  disccrvered  by  Humboldt,  in  Mex- 
ico, growing  in  sandy  plains  three  thousand  feet  above 
the  level  of  the  sea.  The  date  is  not  precisely  known,  but 
supposed  to  be  about  1785-6.  Indisputable  authority,  how- 
ever, speaks  of  its  being  introduced  into  England  in  1789  ; 
but  was  lost  and  again  introduced  in  1803,  from  Madrid,  by 
Lady  Holland;  from  which  period  till  1830  it  had  but  little 
notice  in  cultivation.  Indeed,  it  seems  to  have  been  reserved 
for  the  intelligent  growers  of  the  last  few  years  to  bring  it 
into  general  notice ;  and  if  we  take  a  retrospective  view  of 
the  rapid  progress  of  Dahlia  culture  within  these  last  five 
years,  we  will  be  led  to  exclaim,  "  Where  will  all  this  termi- 
nate V  But  time  alone  can  solve  the  question  ;  at  present  it 
is  impossible  to  come  to  any  satisfactory  conclusions.  Only 
a  few  years  ago,  and  who  would  have  conceived  the  idea  of 
having  tipped,  striped,  and  spotted  Dahlias  of  almost  every 
hue  and  colour;  and  although  historical  writers  on  the  genus 
alluded  to  the  improbability  of  a  blue  flower  ever  being  pro- 
duced, yet  it  is  not  unreasonable  to  imagine  that  ere  long  we 
will  have  flowers  beautifully  and  distinctly  striped  with  black 
and  white,  and  even  combining  the  gaudy  colours  of  the  tulip, 
or  the  choicest  hues  of  the  carnation ;  perhaps  the  criteria  of 
character  may  change  to  those  of  huge  globular  forms  or 
balls — nay,  even  the  odour  of  the  Rose  or  the  Jasmine  may 
be  imparted,  and  what  then?  Only  let  amateurs  and  culti- 
vators persevere  with  the  spirit  tiiey  have  done  during  the 
last  few  years,  and  we  think  all  we  have  advanced  will  be 
realized. 

Propagation. — This  operation  may  be  performed  in  various 
ways,  either  by  division  of  the  root,  by  cutting  off  the  young 
ehoots,  or  by  grafting.  For  general  planting,  division  of  tho 
9* 


102  PROPAGATION   BY   CUTTINGS.  [May. 

root  will  be  sufficient;  about  the  first  of  the  month  the  old 
root,  entire,  should  be  planted  in  some  warm  and  sheltered 
spot  of  the  garden,  covering  it  with  sand,  vegetable  mould, 
or  any  light  soil ;  in  about  two  weeks  the  eyes  or  young  shoots 
will  have  sprouted :  then  it  will  be  properly  seen  how  they 
can  be  most  carefully  divided;  the  root  should  be  carefully 
cut  into  as  many  pieces  as  there  are  eyes  or  sprouts,  leaving 
only  one  tuber  to  each,  when  they  can  be  planted  into  the 
situation  appropriated  for  their  blooming. 

Propagation  hy  Ciiitings. — Prepare  a  hot-bed  in  March, 
as  therein  described,  and  place  a  frame  and  lights  of  the 
required  size  upon  it ;  scatter  over  the  surface  of  the  bed  four 
or  five  inches  of  sand,  old  bark,  or  any  light  soil ;  after  four 
or  five  days,  the  fresh  steam  will  have  subsided,  when  the 
roots  may  be  laid  thereon,  covering  them  (but  not  over  the 
crowns)  with  light  sandy  soil ;  but  where  large  pots  can  be 
obtained,  I  prefer  planting  them  in  the  pots ;  by  this  means 
the  plants  are  kept  distinct,  and  can  be  taken  out  at  any 
time  and  examined.  They  should  be  frequently  sprinkled 
with  water  that  is  partially  warm ;  and  if,  after  they  are  thus 
placed  in  the  bed,  a  rank  and  dense  steam  should  arise,  the 
lights  should  be  slightly  raised  both  night  and  day,  till  it 
subsides;  and  if  the  nights  are  cold,  cover  the  lights  with 
mats  or  shutters.  This  gentle  bottom-heat  will  speedily  in- 
duce the  eyes  to  grow,  and  when  the  shoots  have  attained  the 
height  of  three  or  four  inches,  they  should  be  cut  ofi"  close  to 
the  base,  which  makes  the  best  plant.  After  the  cuttings 
are  taken  off,  pot  them  singly  into  very  small  pots  filled  with 
light  sandy  loam,  containing  a  good  portion  of  black  earth 
from  the  woods,  and  placed  in  another  moderate  hot-bed,  and 
give  a  gentle  supply  of  water.  Particular  care  must  be  paid 
to  shading  them  from  the  violent  rays  of  the  sun,  for  if  they 
are  once  exposed,  they  seldom  recover :  in  this  state  they 
should  continue  till  they  have  formed  their  roots,  which,  in 
a  temperature  of  from  sixty  to  seventy  degrees,  will  be  in 
from  two  to  three  weeks.  Where  a  great  stock  of  any  par- 
ticular sort  is  wanted,  the* cuttings  should  be  taken  off  just 
below  a  joint,  leaving  two  or  three  eyes  at  the  base  of  the 
shoot,  which  will  again  speedily  produce  new  shoots,  that  can 
be  again  removed  in  a  similar  manner. 

When  the  plants  are  rooted,  they  may  then  be  considered 
established,  and  all  that  is  necessary  is,  to  shift  them  intc 


May.']  SOIL — ARRANGEMENT.  10*3 

larger  pots  as  they  require;  and  gradually  inure  them  to  a 
lower  temperature,  till  they  can  endure  the  open  air,  which 
will  not  be  before  the  middle  of  May. 

Propa(jntion  hi/  Grafting. — Where  only  a  few  plants  are 
wanted,  this  is  a  very  successful  method,  as  an  operation  can 
be  conducted  in  the  office  or  parlour  window.  The  cutting 
intended  for  the  graft  should  have  about  three  joints;  when 
obtained,  select  a  good  tuber  without  eyes  from  any  common 
sort,  and  with  a  sharp  knife  cut  a  slice  from  the  upper  part 
of  the  root  downward  about  two  inches  in  length,  and  about 
half  an  inch  in  depth,  and  then  cut  it  off  horizontally,  leav- 
ing a  ledge  whereon  to  rest  the  graft;  next  cut  the  graft 
sloping  to  fit,  and  cut  it  so  that  an  eye  or  joint  may  be  at 
the  bottom  of  it  to  rest  on  the  aforesaid  ledge.  After  the 
graft  has  been  firmly  tied,  a  piece  of  clay  should  be  put 
round  it ;  pot  the  root  in  fine  soil,  in  a  pot  that  will  bury  the 
graft  half  way  in  the  mould,  and  cover  it  with  a  glass  (a 
large  tumbler  will  do),  and  in  two  weeks  it  will  have  taken 
root ;  the  glass  may  then  be  removed,  and  the  plant  gradually 
inured  to  the  open  air. 

Soil. — As  far  as  my  observations  enable  me  to  judge,  the 
soil  best  adapted  for  the  Dahlia  is  a  sandy  loam,  not  reten- 
tive of  moisture,  and  not  too  rich,  as  they  will  grow  to  leaves 
and  branches,  j)roducing  few  flowers,  and  even  then  imper- 
fect :  not  too  poor,  as  in  such  they  will  be  very  indifferent, 
meagre  in  size  and  general  appearance.  Where  soils  are 
rich  and  heavy,  a  portion  of  sand  or  gravel  should  be  mixed 
in  the  soil  where  they  are  planted  :  but  if  poor,  incorporate 
with  the  sand  well-decomposed  manure  ;  and  when  the  plants 
are  planted,  a  stick  in  proportion  to  the  plant  should  be  put 
with  it,  and  at  least  eighteen  inches  in  the  ground,  and  not 
less  than  two  inches  in  diameter,  to  which  they  must  be  care- 
fully tied  as  they  grow,  never  allowing  more  than  one  stem 
to  each  plant ;  and  the  side  branches  should  be  cut  off  from 
one  to  three  feet  from  the  ground,  according  to  the  height  of 
the  plant.  Emperor  de  3Iaroc,  the  most  favourite  crimson 
Dahlia,  tipped  with  white,  comes  invariably  true  to  its  cha- 
racter in  sandy  soil,  whereas,  in  rich,  heavy  soil,  it  is  fre- 
quently only  crimson  The  worst  of  all  soils  for  the  Dahlia 
is  a  rich  loam,  retentive  of  moisture;  in  such  they  grow  to 
wood  and  foliage,  producing  few  and  very  imperfect  flower^. 

The    best    disposition    or    arrangement    in    planting    tbo 


104  AKRANGEMENT.  [ifa^. 

Dahlia,  I  think,  is  in  groups ;  each  group  should  be  com- 
posed of  a  different  section  of  colour :  this  affords  a  close 
comparison,  and  gives  greater  diversity  of  landscape  than 
combining  the  colours ;  the  tallest-growing  sorts  should  be 
carefully  jjlanted  in  the  centre  or  at  the  back  of  each  group. 
The  roots  should  be  planted  from  three  to  four  feet  from 
each  other  every  way.  But  where  they  are  planted  in  rows 
along  walks  or  avenues,  two  or  three  feet  will  be  a  sufficient 
distance  from  plant  to  plant.  Individual  plants  look  ex- 
tremely well  if  they  are  of  a  dwarf  habit.  To  have  a  con- 
tinued succession  of  bloom,  there  should  be  two  plantings ; 
the  first  about  the  fifteenth  of  the  month,  and  the  latest 
about  the  end  of  June ;  it  is  the  June  planting  that  gene- 
rally produces  the  finest  flowers ;  this  fact  (though  lately 
discovered)  is  now  well  understood  by  some  cultivators,  and 
is  easily  accounted  for.  When  plants  are  forced  and  planted 
early,  they  are  in  a  flowering  state  much  earlier,  to  be  sure, 
but  they  are  overtaken  with,  perhaps,  a  hot  dry  summer, 
which  "  blights"  the  buds,  and  are  more  subject  to  the  dis- 
ease called  "curl;"  the  young  leaves,  as  they  expand,  are  pei*- 
forated  with  numerous  holes  ;  the  margins  become  brownish, 
as  if  burnt;  they  then  become  curled,  placid,  and  the  whole 
plant  unhealthy  and  dwarfish.  The  principal  stem  ceases  to 
grow,  and  numerous  suckers  and  stems  arise  from  below, 
forming  a  dense  bush.  The  flowers  of  such  plant,  as  might 
be  expected,  are  small  and  irregular ;  and  however  excellent 
the  variety  may  be,  they  yield  nothing  but  disappointment 
to  the  anxiously  expectant  cultivator.  This  disease  is  caused 
by  an  insect,  Cymix  Clilorof.erus,  or  green  bug.  It  inhabits 
the  extremities  of  the  Dahlia,  and  grows  and  feeds  on  the 
under  surface  of  the  young  leaves,  and  in  its  destruction  is 
aided  by  our  frequently  hot  and  arid  months  of  July  and 
August.  Hence,  the  reason  that  the  late  planting  gives 
most  satisfaction,  they  are  in  these  months  in  a  rapid  grow- 
ing state,  and  if  attacked  outgrow  the  effects,  and  push  at 
once  into  bloom  in  the  more  moist  and  cooling  month  of 
September.  The  only  remedy  that  is  known  for  the  above 
evil  is,  to  look  over  the  plants  cautiously  in  the  morning, 
when  the  first  attacks  are  perceptible,  and  pick  off  the  in- 
sects ;  it  has  to  be  approached  with  caution,  as  it  instinctively 
throws  itself  down  among  the  leaves  if  disturbed ;  and  if  it 
escapes,  it  again  climbs  up,  and  commences  its  depredations 


May."] 


ARRANGEMENT. 


105 


It  is  admitted  that  there  are  exceeding  one  thousand  distinct 
named  varieties  now  in  cultivation,  and  it  may  be  desirable 
to  some  that  a  select  list  of  the  choicest  named  sorts  now  in 
cultivation  should  be  given :  but  such  is  the  almost  endless 
multiplicity  of  kinds,  and  such  the  numerous  additions  every 
year  made,  that  in  a  few  years  those  I  may  mention  now  as 
being  fine  will  then  most  probably  be  considered  wholly 
useless.  However,  for  immediate  profit  and  benefit,  I  re- 
commend the  following  : — • 


PURE   WHITE. 


Antagonist, 
Ariel, 


Blanche  fleur, 
Mount  Blanc. 


WHITE   EDGED   MOTTLED,  OR   TIPPED. 


Barmaid, 
Gem, 
Malvina, 
Miss  Chaplin, 


Miss  Vyse, 
Princess  Radzville, 
Star. 


LILAC. 


Admiral, 

Joshua  Longstreth,  (Schmetz.) 

Queen  of  Beauty, 


Queen  of  Lilacs. 
Victorine. 


YELLOWS. 


Cleopatra, 
Crocus, 


Mrs.  Seldon, 
Yellow  Standard. 


BUFP   AND    ORANGE,  SHADED    OR   TIPPED. 


Goliah, 

Hon.  Mr.  Herbert, 

Morning  Star, 


Seraph, 
Tison  d'or. 


106  ARRANGEMENT.  [Mai/. 


ORANGE   SCARLET. 

Duke  of  Wellington,  Sir  Eobert  Peel. 

Earl  of  Clarendon, 

BRONZE   PINK,  MOTTLED   OR   SHADED. 

Globe,  Model. 

General  Faucher, 

SCARLET. 

Fulwood  Scarlet,  Shylock, 

John  Edward,  Sir  C.  Napier. 

CRIMSON. 

Edmund  Foster,  Thames  Bank  Hero. 

Sir  F.  Bathurst, 

PURPLE. 

Mr.  Seldon,  Summit  of  Perfectioa 

Sir  E.  Whittingdon, 

VERY   DARK. 

Admiral  Stopford,  Miss  Spears, 

Ambassador,  Negro, 

Hero  of  Stonehenge,  Richard  Cobden. 

ORANGE  YELLOW,  TIPPED   AND   SHADED. 

Eugenia,  Madam  Zhader. 

FANCY  DAHLIAS. 

Elejrantissima,  lilac,  tipped  and  edged  white. 
Elizabeth,  lilac,  purple  edged  and  tipped. 
Empereur  de  Maroc,  dark  maroon,  tipped  with  cherry. 
Forget-me-not,  crimson,  edged  and  tipped  white. 
Gasperine,  dark  puce,  tipped  white.  • 


MayJ]  CHARACTER   OF   A   FINE    DAHLIA.  107 

Highland  Chief,  orange  scarlet,  tipped  white. 

Nepaulese  Chief,  crimson,  marbled  and  spotted. 

Miss  Ward,  yellow,  tipped  white. 

Miss  Compton,  red,  tipped  white. 

Mrs.  Hansard,  yellow,  frequently  white  tipped. 

Mrs.  Shaw  Lefevre,  crimson,  tipped  white. 

Miss  Weyland,  pink,  tipped  white. 

Mrs.  Willis,  crimson,  tipped  white. 

Phaeton,  peach  colour,  tipped  white. 

Pretty  Polly,  salmon,  tipped  white. 

Princess  Charlotte,  pale  purple,  tipped  white. 

Queen  of  Beauties,  white,  marbled  with  lavender. 

Rachael,  crimson,  tipped  white. 

Roi  de  Pointz,  crimson,  tipped  white. 

The  above  are  the  choicest  in  cultivation  at  the  present 
time,  and  for  farther  description  in  regard  to  colour,  height, 
and  price,  we  beg  to  refer  our  readers  to  the  periodical  cata- 
logues of  our  respectable  nurserymen  that  are  issued  every 
spring,  and  contain  many  other  sorts  of  eminence ;  and  not 
a  few  equally  desirable  with  the  above,  though  the  descrip- 
tions of  some  that  are  annually  received  from  England  are 
more  tempting  than  the  article.  Whether  there  are  some 
sorts  that  do  produce  more  perfect  and  beautiful  flowers  in 
their  humid  climate  than  they  do  when  transferred  to  ours, 
we  cannot  practically  decide,  but  presume  that  it  is  the  fact, 
for  we  are  confident,  and  every  season  does  more  fully  con- 
firm it,  that  the  seedlings  grown  in  this  country  from  seed 
sowed  here  do  grow  better,  and  flower  finer,  than  the  gene- 
rality of  those  imported  ;  and,  to  prevent  us  adopting  inferior 
sorts,  and  giving  them  dashing  names,  we  subjoin  the  follow- 
ing rules  for  judging : — 


CHARACTER   OP  A   FINE   DAHLIA. 

"  The  best  judges  distinguish  Dahlias  by  the  three  criteria 
of  form,  colour,  and  size. 

"1.  Form. — The  front  view  of  the  blossom  should  be 
perfectly  circular,  without  notches  or  inequalities,  caused  by 
the  petals  being  pointed,  and  not,  as  they  should  be,  rounded ; 
smooth  at  the  ^iges,  and  slightly  concave,  but  not  so  much 


108  ANNUALS,    HARDY   AND   TENDER.  [-^1"^- 

513  to  show  any  of  the  back.  One  of  the  most  perfect 
flowers,  in  this  respect,  is  the  Springfield  Rival.  When  the 
petals  are  pointed,  notched,  fringed,  piped,  quilled,  concave, 
convex,  or  flat,  the  perfectness  of  the  circle  is  broken,  and 
one  indispensable  beauty  in  the  eye  of  the  florist  is  deficient. 

''  When  the  eye  or  disk  is  shown  in  the  full-blown  flower, 
it  is  also  a  striking  defect. 

"  The  side  view  of  a  first-rate  flower  should  be  that  of  a 
perfect  hemisphere. 

"  There  is,  perhaps,  no  example  of  this  perfection  of  form 
without  some  slight  deficiency.  The  Countess  of  Liverpool 
is  one  of  the  nearest  to  a  perfect  flower  in  this  respect. 

"2.  Colour. — This  is  looked  upon  by  florists  as  an  inferior 
consideration  to  form,  though  it  is  usually  the  first  to  attract 
the  notice  of  common  observers. 

"  In  flowers  of  one  colour,  or  selfs,  the  colour  ought  to  be 
bright  and  distinct,  without  any  breaking  or  blotching. 
When  there  are  stripes,  mottlings,  shadings,  or  edgings, 
these  should  be  clear  and  uniformly  marked,  the  colours  dis- 
tinct without  clouding  or  running. 

"  3.  Size. — Although  large  flowers  with  superior  form 
and  clear  distinct  colours  are  esteemed  superior  to  small 
flowers  with  the  same  properties,  yet  size  alone  is  looked 
upon  by  florists  as  nothing  when  form  and  colour  are  defec- 
tive.'' 

Particular  care  should  be  taken  with  seeds,  especially  such 
as  are  saved  from  fine  sorts.  If  they  are  sown,  about  the 
first  of  April,  on  a  gentle  hot-bed,  or  in  a  green-house  in 
plots,  filled  with  light  rich  earth,  cover  the  seeds  about 
three-eighths  of  an  inch,  and  when  they  have  made  leaves, 
pot  them  ofi"  singly  into  small  pots,  till  time  for  planting  out, 
or  where  a  quantity  is  grown,  three  plants  may  be  put  into 
one  pot,  and  thus  planted,  and  when  they  bloom  the  bad  can 
be  pulled  up,  leaving  those  of  good  character  to  stand  for 
farther  trial ;  none  should  be  kept  but  such  as  come  up  to 
the  above  rules ;  and  if  they  do  not  do  so  the  first  year,  there 
is  little  hope  of  their  being  more  perfect  the  second. 


ANNUALS,    HARDY   AND   TENDER. 

By  the  first  of  the  month,  finish  sowing  all  hardy  Annuals 
and  Biennials ;  and  about  the  middle  of  the  month  all  those 


May.']  ANEMONES  AND  RANUNCULUS.  109 

that  are  tropical.  The  weather  being  now  warm,  they  will 
vegetate  in  a  few  days  or  weeks.  Attend  to  thinning  of  those 
that  are  too  thick,  giviug  gentle  watering  to  such  as  are 
weak  in  dry  weather.  Those  that  have  been  protected  in 
frames  should  be  fully  exposed  therein  night  and  day ;  take 
the  first  opportunity  of  damp  cloudy  days  to  have  them  trans- 
planted into  the  borders  or  beds,  lifting  them  out  of  the  frame 
with  as  much  earth  as  will  adhere  to  their  roots. 


CARE  OF  HYACINTHS,  TULIPS,  ETC. 

For  the  treatment  of  these,  while  in  bloom,  see  last  month. 
The  best  time  to  take  them  out  of  the  ground  is  about  five 
weeks  after  they  are  done  flowering,  or  when  the  stem  ap- 
pears what  may  be  termed  half-decayed.  The  best  method 
to  dry  them  is  to  place  the  roots  in  rows,  with  bulb  to  bulb, 
the  stems  lying  north  and  south,  or  east  and  west.  Give  the 
bulbs  a  very  thin  covering  of  earth,  merely  to  exclude  the 
sun,  so  that  they  may  not  dry  too  rapidly,  being  thereby 
liable  to  become  soft.  When  they  have  thoroughly  dried  in 
this  situation,  which  will  be  in  eight  or  ten  days  in  dry 
weather  (and  if  it  rains,  cover  them  with  boards),  take  ttiem 
to  an  airy  dry  loft  or  shade,  clearing  off  the  fibres  or  stems, 
and  in  a  few  weeks  put  them  in  close  drawers,  or  cover  them 
with  sand  perfectly  dry,  until  the  time  of  planting,  for  whicn 
see  October. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  allow  any  of  the  bulbs  of  either 
Hyacinths  or  Tulips  to  seed,  as  it  retards  their  ripening  and 
weakens  the  roots,  except  where  there  are  a  few  desired  for 
new  varieties.  The  small  off-sets  must  be  carefully  kept  in 
dry  sand,  or  immediately  planted. 


ANEMONES   AND   RANUNCULUS. 

These,  while  in  bloom,  should  be  carefully  shaded  from  tha 
sun  by  hoops  and  thin  canvass,  or  an  erect  temporary  awnmg; 
and  as  soon  as  they  are  done  flowering,  they  must  be  fuUj 
exposed  and  tlie  waterings  given  up. 
10 


110  DOUBLE   WALL-FLOWERS.  [Ma^ 


TUBEROSES   AND   AMARYLLIS, 


That  are  not  planted,  should  now  be  done.  For  full  di- 
rections, see  last  month.  In  many  seasons,  any  time  be- 
fore the  twelfth  is  quite  soon  enough ;  but  nothing  ought  to 
be  delayed  when  the  season  will  permit  it  to  be  done.  It  is 
necessary  to  have  them  properly  labelled. 


AURICULAS,  POLYANTHUS,  AND   PRIMROSES 

Will  now  be  done  flowering,  but  still  must  be  carefully 
kept  in  a  cool,  shady  situation,  and  all  decayed  leaves  cut 
off  as  soon  as  they  appear.  Examine  them  carefully  and 
frequently,  in  case  slugs  of  any  description  be  preying  upon 
them.  A  dusting  of  hot  lime  will  kill  them,  or  they  may  be 
otherwise  destroyed.  Some  have  recommended  to  repot  and 
slip  those  plants  when  done  flowering,  "  or  they  will  contract 
a  destructive  disease ;"  which  disease  is  a  loss  of  verdure,  and 
is  induced  by  too  much  heat  and  drought,  and  a  few  other 
causes  from  inattention ;  but  if  attended  to  as  above,  until 
September,  when  they  should  be  fresh  potted,  they  will  have 
time  to  be  sufficiently  established  before  winter,  which  is  the 
most  judicious  time  to  take  off  slips,  for  two  reasons,  namely, 
they  do  not  want  so  much  nursing  through  the  most  preca- 
rious season  of  the  year  (summer)  for  these  plants,  and  they 
begin  to  grow,  and  will  root  afresh  sooner. 


DOUBLE   WALL-FLOWERS. 

As  these  are  very  seldom  grown  from  seed,  and  are  semi- 
biennials,  art  has  to  be  used  to  preserve  or  renew  them. 
About  the  end  of  this  month,  take  shoots  of  this  year  about 
three  inches  long,  cutting  them  carefully  off,  and  smoothing 
the  cut  end  with  a  sharp  knife  :  from  this,  cut  the  lower 
leaves  off  about  one  inch  and  a  half,  and  then  put  it  in  the 
ground;  choose  a  very  shady  spot,  mixing  the  soil  with  a 
little  sand  and  earth,  or  decayed  leaves.  Sprinkle  them 
three  times  a  day  until  they  have  taken  root,  which  will  be 
in  a  few  weeks.     Keep  the  cuttings  about  four  inches  apart. 


JuneyJuly.']      autumn  flowering  bulbs.  Ill 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

We  do  not  consider  that  it  is  essential  every  month  to  re- 
peat the  necessity  of  tying  xx^j  plants,  cutting  down  weeds, 
raking,  &c.,  with  many  other  similar  observations.  We  have 
already  been  full  on  these  subjects,  and  expect  these  to  be 
remembered  through  the  season.  Particular  care,  however, 
is  required  to  carnations,  pinks,  or  any  plants  that  have  heavy 
heads  and  slender  stems.  If  carnations  are  desired  to  flower 
strongly,  cut  ofi"  all  the  buds  except  three,  leaving  the  upper- 
most and  any  other  two  of  the  largest.  All  climbing  plants 
should  have  timely  support,  and  tied  securely  every  week 
while  they  are  growing. 


JUNE  AND  JULY. 

HOLLAND   BULBS. 

The  lifting  of  these  will  be  general  in  June.  For  direc- 
tions, see  May.  It  is  not  advisable  to  take  up  Jonquils, 
Fritilldria,  Crocus,  and  Iris,  oftener  than  every  alternate 
year.  Jonquils  may  stand  three  years.  Anemones  and 
Ranunculus  should  be  carefully  lifted  after  their  leaves  begin 
to  fade.  Do  not  expose  them  to  the  sun,  but  cover  slightly 
with  earth  or  sand  until  they  are  perfectly  dry,  when  they 
may  be  sifted  out  of  the  earth,  and  put  into  drawers  carefully 
labelled.  Some  recommend  to  soak  these  roots  in  soap-suds, 
to  destroy  a  worm  with  which  they  are  frequently  attacked. 
We  know  not  how  far  this  may  be  carried,  nor  the  good  or 
bad  effects,  never  having  practised  it. 


AUTUMN    FLOWERING   BULBS. 

These  are  Amaryllis  littea,  now  called  Sternhergia  lutea; 
A.  Belladdnna,  now  Belladonna  purpurdscens ;  Crocus  satU 
vur,  C.  Palldsii    C.  serotinus,  and  C.  midijflorus,  and  all  the 


112  CARNATIONS  AND  PINKS.  [June,  July. 

species  of  Colchicum,  with  species  of  several  other  genera  not 
introduced  into  the  country.  They  should  all  be  lifted  as 
soon  as  the  foliage  is  decayed,  and  kept  only  a  few  weeks  out 
of  the  ground,  and  then  again  replanted  in  fresh  soil.  The 
economy  of  the  genus  Colchicum  in  regard  to  its  bulbs, 
flowers,  and  seeds,  is  altogether  singular,  and  may  be  termed 
an  anomaly  of  nature.  In  producing  the  new  bulbs  or  oif- 
sets,  in  a  very  curious  manner  the  old  one  perishes.  The 
flowers,  which  arise  with  long  slender  tubes  from  the  root,  die 
off  in  October,  without  leaving  any  external  appearance  of 
seeds.  These  lie  buried  all  the  winter  within  the  bulb ;  in 
spring  they  throw  up  a  fruit-stalk,  and  are  ripe  about  the  first 
of  June.  How  beautiful  and  admirable  is  this  provision ! 
The  plant  blooming  so  late  in  the  year  would  not  have  time 
to  mature  its  seeds  before  winter;  and  is,  therefore,  so  con- 
trived that  it  may  be  performed  out  of  the  reach  of  the  usual 
effects  of  frost,  and  they  are  brought  above  the  surface  when 
perfected,  and  at  a  proper  season  for  sowing. 


CARNATIONS  ANr  ^INKS. 

In  order  to  make  the  former  flower  well,  if  the  weather  is 
dry,  give  them  frequent  waterings  at  the  root,  and  tie  them 
up  neatly  to  their  rods.  The  criterion  of  a  fine  Carnation 
is — The  stem  strong  and  straight,  from  thirty  to  forty  inches 
high ;  the  corolla  three  inches  in  diameter,  consisting  of 
large,  round,  well-formed  petals,  but  not  so  many  as  to  crowd 
it,  nor  so  few  as  to  make  it  appear  thin  or  empty ;  the  out- 
side petals  should  rise  above  the  calyx  about  half  an  inch, 
and  then  turn  off  in  a  horizontal  direction,  to  support  the 
interior  petals,  they  forming  nearly  a  hemispherical  corolla. 
The  interior  petals  should  decrease  in  size  toward  the  centre, 
all  regularly  disposed  on  every  side  ;  they  should  have  a  small 
degree  of  concavity  at  the  lamina  or  broad  end,  the  edges 
perfectly  entire.  The  calyx  above  one  inch  in  length,  with 
strong  broad  points  in  a  close  and  circular  body.  The  colours 
must  be  perfectly  distinct,  disposed  in  regular  long  stripes, 
broadest  at  the  edge  of  the  lamina,  and  gradually  becoming 
narrower  as  they  approach  the  unguis  or  base  of  the  petal, 
there  terminating  in  a  fine  point.  Those  that  contain  two 
colours  upon  a  white  ground  are  esteemed  the  finest. 


June,  July.']   LAYING   CARNATIONS   AND   PINK8.  115 

The  criterion  of  a  double  pink. — The  stem  about  twelve 
inches,  the  calyx  smaller,  but  similar  to  a  carnaticn;  the 
flower  two  inches  and  a  half  in  diameter ;  petals  rose  edges ; 
colour  white  and  pure  purple,  or  rich  crimson  ;  the  nearer  it 
approaches  to  black  the  more  is  it  esteemed;  proportions 
equal  as  in  carnation.  Those  that  are  very  tasteful  with 
these  flowers  are  attentive  to  the  manner  of  their  opening. 
Where  the  calyx  is  deficient  in  regular  expansion,  to  display 
the  petals ;  that  is,  where  there  is  a  tendency  to  burst  open 
on  one  side  more  than  on  the  other,  the  opposite  side  in  two 
or  three  diff"erent.  indentations  should  be  slit  a  little,  at 
several  times,  with  the  point  of  a  small  sharp  knife,  taking 
care  not  to  cut  the  petals,  and  about  the  centre  of  the  calyx 
tie  a  thread  three  or  four  times  round  to  prevent  any  further 
irregularity.  Some  florists  and  connoisseurs  place  cards  on 
them.  This  is  done  when  the  calyx  is  small.  Take  a  piece 
of  thin  pasteboard,  about  the  size  of  a  dollar,  cut  a  small 
aperture  in  its  centre  to  admit  the  bud  to  pass  through. 
When  on,  tie  it  tight  to  the  rod,  to  prevent  the  wind  from 
blowing  it  about;  and  when  the  flower  is  expanded,  draw  up 
the  card  to  about  the  middle  of  the  calyx,  and  spread  the 
petals  one  over  the  other  regularly  upon  it.  When  these 
plants  are  in  flower,  their  beauty  may  be  prolonged  by  giving 
them  a  little  shade  from  the  mid-day  sun  by  an  awning  of 
any  simple  description.  Where  they  are  in  pots,  they  can 
be  removed  to  a  cool  shady  situation  (but  not  directly  under 
trees). 


OF   LAYING   CARNATIONS   AND   PINKS. 

This  is  a  necessary  and  yearly  operation  to  keep  a  supply 
of  plants,  and  likewise  to  have  them  always  in  perfection. 
As  the  process  of  laying,  though  simple,  may  not  be  known 
to  all  who  are  desirous  of  cultivating  these  plants,  we  will 
give  an  outline  of  the  mode  of  operation.  Provide  first  a 
quantity  of  small  hooked  twigs  (pieces  of  Asparagus  stems 
are  very  suitable),  about  three  inches  long,  for  pegging  the 
layers  down  in  the  earth.  Select  the  outward,  strongest  and 
lowest  shoots  that  are  round  the  plant;  trim  ofi"  a  few  of  the 
under  leaves,  and  shorten  the  top  ones  even  with  the  knife, 
and  then  applying  it  at  a  joint  about  the  middle  of  the  under 
10* 


114  OF  BUDDING,   ETC.  [June,  July. 

Bide  of  the  shoot,  cut  about  half  through  in  a  slanting  direc- 
tion, making  an  upward  slit  toward  the  next  joint,  near  an 
inch  in  extent;  and  loosening  the  earth,  make  a  small  oblong 
cavity  one  or  two  inches  deep,  putting  a  little  fresh  light 
earth  therein.  Lay  the  stem  p  irt  where  the  slit  is  made 
into  the  earth,  keeping  the  cut  part  open,  and  the  head  of 
the  layer  upright  one  or  two  inches  out  of  the  earth ;  and  in 
that  position  peg  down  the  layer  with  one  of  the  hooked 
twigs,  and  cover  the  inserted  part  to  the  depth  of  one  inch 
with  some  of  the  fresh  earth,  pressing  it  gently  down.  In 
this  manner  proceed  to  lay  all  the  proper  shoots  of  each 
plant.  Keep  the  earth  a  little  full  around  the  plant,  to 
retain  longer  the  water  that  may  be  applied.  Give  imme- 
diately a  moderate  watering,  with  a  rose  watering-pot,  and 
in  dry  weather  give  light  waterings  every  evening.  Choose 
a  cloudy  day  for  the  above  operation.  In  about  two  months 
they  will  be  well  rooted. 


OP   BUDDING   OR   INOCULATION   OF   ROSES. 

According  to  what  we  have  previously  hinted  in  regard 
to  having  roses  as  standards,  where  such  are  desired,  the 
month  of  July  or  August  is  a  proper  time  for  the  operation 
of  budding.  The  kinds  to  be  taken  for  stocks  should  be  of 
a  strong,  free  growth ;  such  as  Manitta,  Maiden's  blush,  R. 
canina,  and  frequently  the  French  Eglantine  are  taken.  Be 
provided  with  a  proper  budding-knife,  which  has  a  sharp, 
thin  blade,  adapted  to  prepare  the  bud,  with  a  tapering  ivory 
haft,  made  thin  at  the  end,  for  raising  the  bark  of  the  stock. 
For  tyings,  use  bass  strings  from  Russian  mats,  which  should 
be  soaked  in  water  to  make  them  more  pliable.  The  height 
of  the  stock  or  stem  at  which  the  bud  is  to  be  inserted,  is  to 
be  determined  by  the  intended  destination  of  the  tree  (as  it 
may  be  properly  called).  Choose  a  smooth  part  of  the  stem, 
from  one  to  three  years  old.  Having  marked  the  place, 
prune  away  all  the  lateral  shoots  about  and  underneath  it. 
With  the  knife  directed  horizontally,  make  an  incision  about 
half  an  inch  long  in  the  bark  of  the  stock,  cutting  to  the 
wood,  but  not  deeper ;  then  applying  the  point  of  the  knifo 
to  the  middle  of  this  line,  make  a  perpendicular  incision 
under  the  first,  extending  from  it  between  one  and  two  inches. 


June,  July.']  OF  budding,  etc.  115 

Having  a  healthy  shoot  of  the  rii'owth  of  this  year  provided 
of  the  kind  that  is  desired,  begin  at  the  lower  end  of  this 
shoot,  cut  away  all  the  leaves,  'caving  the  footstalk  of  each. 
Being  fixed  on  a  promising  bud,  insert  the  knife  about  half 
an  inch  above  the  eye,  slanting  it  downward,  and  about  half 
through  the  shoot.  Draw  it  out  about  an  inch  below  the 
eye,  so  as  to  bring  away  the  bud  unimpaired  with  the  bark, 
and  part  of  the  wood  adhering  to  it;  the  wood  now  must  be 
carefully  detached  from  the  b?rk.  To  do  this,  insert  the 
point  of  the  knife  between  the  bark  and  wood  at  one  end, 
and,  holding  the  bark  tenderly,  strip  off  the  woody  part, 
which  will  readily  part  from  the  bark,  if  the  shoot  from 
which  the  piece  is  taken  has  been  properly  imbued  with 
sap.*  Look  at  the  inner  rind  of  the  separated  bark,  to  see 
if  that  be  entire ;  if  there  be  a  hole  in  it  the  eye  of  the  bud 
has  been  pulled  away  with  the  wood,  rendering  the  bud  use- 
less, which  throw  away ;  if  there  be  no  hole,  return  to  the 
stock,  and  with  the  haft  of  the  knife  gently  raise  the  bark 
on  each  side  of  the  perpendicular  incision,  opening  the  lips 
wide  enough  to  admit  the  prepared  slip  with  the  eye.  If  the 
slip  is  longer  than  the  upright  incision  in  the  stock,  reduce 
the  largest  end.  Stock  and  bud  being  ready,  keep  the  latter 
in  its  natural  position ;  introduce  it  between  the  bark  and 
wood  of  the  stock,  pushing  it  gently  downward  until  it 
reaches  the  bottom  of  the  perpendicular  incision.  Let  the 
eye  of  the  bud  project  through  the  centre  of  the  lips ;  lay 
the  slip  with  the  bud  as  smooth  as  possible,  and  press  down 
the  raised  bark  of  the  stock.  The  bud  being  deposited,  bind 
that  part  of  the  stock  moderately  tight  with  bass,  beginning 
a  little  below  the  incision,  proceeding  upward  so  as  to  keep 
the  eye  uncovered,  finishing  above  tlie  incision.  In  a  month 
after  the  operation,  examine  whether  the  bud  has  unitea 
with  the  stock.  If  it  has  succeeded,  the  bud  will  be  full 
and  fresh ;  if  not,  it  will  be  brown  and  contracted.  When 
it  has  taken,  untie  the  bandage,  that  the  bud  may  swell,  and 
in  a  few  days  afterwards  cut  the  head  of  the  stock  off  about 

*  We  once  budded  three  eyes  of  the  white  moss  rose,  after  they 
had,  by  mistake,  been  carried  in  the  pocket  of  a  coat  three  days. 
The  shoot  was  soaked  six  hours  in  water,  and  two  of  the  buds  grew. 
From  this  we  infer  that  shoots,  if  properly  wrapped  up,  may  be 
carried  very  great  distances,  and  grow  successfully. 


116  EVERGREEN   HEDGES.  lAugusi. 

six  inches  above  the  inoculation,  and  prevent  all  shoots  from 
growing  by  pinching  them  off.  This  will  forward  the  bud, 
which  will  push  and  ripen  wood  this  season ;  but  it  must  be 
carefully  tied,  as  it  grows,  to  the  remaining  head  of  the  stock. 
Some  do  not  head  down  the  stock  until  the  following  spring, 
thereby  not  encouraging  the  bud  to  grow,  which,  if  winter 
sets  in  early,  is  the  safest  method. 


OF   WATERING. 

If  the  season  be  dry,  look  over  the  lately  planted  shrubs, 
and  give  them  frequent  copious  waterings ;  and  a  few  of  the 
finest  annuals  that  are  wanted  to  flower  perfectly  should  be 
attended  to.  We  do  confess  that  we  used  to  be  advocates 
for  giving  plenty  of  water  to  the  Dahlia,  but  the  severe 
drought  of  1838  put  our  science  to  the  test,  and  the  result 
■was,  that  of  about  one  hundred  plants  of  our  most  choice 
kinds,  which  we  regularly  watered  three  times  a  week,  for 
nine  weeks,  during  which  period  we  had  not  a  drop  of  rain, 
the  plants  grew  luxuriantly,  but  many  of  them  never  pro- 
duced a  perfect  bloom ;  and  those  that  had  no  attention 
whatever  paid  to  them,  except  a  little  manure  or  litter  laid 
on  the  surface  over  the  roots,  flowered  almost  as  well  as  in  oux 
more  moist  seasons.  Hence  we  infer  that  an  occasional  water- 
ing may  be  of  service,  but  continued  and  repeated  artificial 
■waterings  are  injurious. 


AUGUST. 

EVERGREEN   HEDGES. 

These  always  make  two  growths  in  the  season,  and  the 
best  time  to  perform  the  operation  of  clipping  or  dressing 
them  is  before  the  plants  begin  their  second  growth.  Choose, 
if  possible,  dull  and  cloudy  days,  as  in  such  weather  they 
will  not  be  so  liable  to  get  brown  or  bruised  by  shearing. 
The  general  practice  in  forming  these  is  to  have  the  sides 


August."]  BULBOUS  roots.  117 

even  and  the  top  level,  forming  a  right  angle  on  each  side. 
However  neat  in  appearance  this  may  be  considered,  it 
certainly  is  stiflF  and  formal.  We  never  approve  of  clippiog 
where  it  can  be  avoided,  and,  when  adopted,  nature  ought  to 
be  imitated.  Therefore,  have  all  hedges  and  edgings  tapering 
toward  the  top. 


CARNATIONS   AND   PINKS, 

If  laid  about  the  end  of  June,  and  have  been  properly 
attended,  will,  by  the  end  of  this  month,  be  well  rotted  and 
fit  for  transplanting.  Clear  away  the  earth  lightly,  and  cut 
them  clean  ofi"  from  the  parent  plaut,  nearer  the  stool  than 
the  original  slit.  Raise  them  neatly  out  of  the  earth,  with 
as  many  of  the  root-fibres  as  possible ;  cut  oiF  the  naked  part 
of  the  stem  close  to  the  fibrous  roots,  and  trim  away  the 
straggling  leaves.  Plant  the  finest  sorts  in  four-inch  pots, 
and  those  more  common,  three  plants  in  five-inch  pots,  in  the 
form  of  a  triangle,  which  can  be  separated  in  spring  to  plant 
in  the  garden.  Any  of  the  principal  stools  should  be  (if  in 
the  ground)  lifted  and  put  into  seven-inch  pots  to  be  preserved  : 
the  others  may  be  allowed  to  stand  through  the  winter,  cover- 
ing them  with  a  few  dry  leaves.  Keep  them  in  the  shade  a 
few  weeks,  when  they  may  be  fully  exposed.  Give  gentle  and 
frequent  sprinklings  of  water  until  they  have  taken  fresh  root ; 
or,  if  in  want  of  pots,  mark  out  a  bed  that  can  be  covered  with 
a  frame,  preparing  the  soil  therein  properly.  Plant  them 
from  four  to  six  inches  apart.  Shade  them  from  the  sun  until 
they  begin  to  grow,  giving  sprinklings  of  water  over  the  foliage 
every  evening. 


BULBOUS   ROOTS. 

Look  over  the  bulbs  that  are  out  of  the  ground,  and  exa- 
mine those  that  require  planting.  Of  Fritillaria  there  are 
about  twenty  species,  but  few  of  them  generally  cultivated, 
except  F.  imperidlifi,  Crown  Imperial,  and  F.  persica.  Of 
the  former  there  are  many  very  splendid  varieties,  such  as 
Croicn  iipon  croicn,  Litiea  Maxima,  Striped  leaved,  Double 
/lowered,  &c.     These  will  require  planting,  and  ought  not  to 


118  DAHLIAS.  iSepfeniber. 

be  lifted  oftener  than  every  third  j'ear.  They  require  a  deep, 
rich,  loamy  soil,  and,  if  in  beds,  plant  them  from  five  to 
seven  inches  deep,  and  one  foot  apart.  They  will  grow 
under  the  shade  of  trees,  or  in  any  situation  where  the  soil  is 
adapted  for  them.  No  imbricated  or  scaly  bulb  ought  to  be 
retained  long  out  of  the  g'-ound.  When  any  of  these  are 
lifted,  and  the  young  bulbs  taken  off,  they  should  be  planted 
at  once.  See  particularly,  on  bulbous  roots  in  general,  next 
month. 

SOWING    SEEDS    3F   BULBOUS   ROOTS. 

Where  any  seeds  of  these  are  saved,  with  the  intention  of 
sowing,  let  it  be  done  this  month.  Procure  boxes  about 
seven  inches  deep,  and,  in  size,  proportioned  to  the  quantity 
to  be  sown.  Put  five  inches  of  light,  sandy  soil  in  the  box, 
level  it  smoothly,  and  sow  the  seeds  separately  and  thickly ; 
cover  with  half  an  inch  of  light  sandy  loam,  with  a  portion 
of  earth  from  the  woods.  Keep  the  box  or  boxes  in  a  shel- 
tered situation,  giving  frequent  sprinklings  of  water,  to  keep 
the  earth  damp,  which  must  be  protected  with  a  frame,  or 
covered  with  leaves  during  winter.  The  plants  will  appear 
in  the  spring,  and  must  be  watered  and  kept  in  the  shade. 
When  the  leaves  decay  in  June,  put  one  inch  more  soil  upon 
them,  and  the  second  year  they  can  be  planted  with  the 
small  off-sets  in  the  garden,  and  treated  as  other  bulbs.  They 
must  be  carefully  marked  every  year.  Tulips  require  several 
years  of  trial  before  their  qualities  are  known ;  and  a  poor 
soil  is  best  suited  to  produce  their  characters  after  the  first 
bloom. 


SEPTEMBER. 

OF   DAHLIAS. 


See  that  all  these  plants  are  supported  with  proper  stakes, 
rods,  &c.,  that  the  wind  may  have  no  effect  in  breaking  down 


September^']  general  observations.  119 

or  otherwise  destroying  the  flower-stems.  Strictly  observe 
their  respective  heights  and  colours,  that  they  may  be  duly 
disposed  and  interspersed  next  year,  if  not  done  so  this. 
Attend  particularly  to  the  merits  of  those  grown  from  seed. 


GENERAL  CARE   OF  PLANTS   IN   POTS. 

All  the  flowers  that  are  in  pots,  and  intended  to  be  kept  in 
frames  during  winter,  should  have  a  top-dressing  and  a  gene- 
ral preparation  for  their  winter  quarters,  by  tying  up,  &c. 
The  carnation  and  pink  layers  that  were  lifted  and  potted 
last  month  must  be  brought  from  the  shade  as  soon  as  they 
begin  to  grow ;  and  those  that  are  not  lifted,  have  them  done 
forthwith,  that  they  may  be  rooted  afresh  befoi-e  the  frost 
sets  in.  All  Wall-flowei"s  and  Stocks  should  be  lifted  about 
the  end  of  this  month,  and  planted  in  five  to  seven-inch  pots, 
and  treated  as  directed  for  carnation  layers  last  month  until 
they  begin  to  grow,  when  they  must  be  fully  exposed. 


PREPARING   BEDS    AND    BORDERS    FOR   BULBOUS.  ROOTS. 

Bulbous  roots  of  every  character  delight  in  deep  free  soil ; 
consequently,  wherever  they  are  desired  to  be  planted,  duo 
attention  must  be  paid  to  put  the  soil  in  proper  order,  to 
have  them  in  perfection.  Where  there  is  a  quantity  in^ 
tended  to  be  planted,  to  have  them  in  beds  is  the  general 
and  preferable  method.  These  ought  to  be  dug  from  eight- 
een inches  to  two  feet  deep,  at  the  bottom  of  which  place 
three  or  four  inches  of  decayed  manure.  Where  the  soil 
is  poor,  it  should  be  enriched  with  well-decomposed  manure 
and  earth  from  the  woods,  incorporating  both  well  with  the 
soil,  breaking  it  all  fine.  This  being  done,  allow  it  to  stand 
until  the  middle  of  next  month,  which  see  for  farther 
directions. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

Tie  up  carefully  all  the  Chrysdntliemums,  Tuberoses,  &c. 
Clear  away  the  stems  or  haum  of  any  decayed  annuals  or 


120  or  PLANTING,  ETC.  [October. 

herbaceous  plants,  that  nothing  unsightly  may  appear.     Pro- 
pagate the  Pansy  by  layers,  &c.     See  page  95. 


SOWING   AND    SAVING    SEEDS. 

About  the  end  of  this  month  or  beginning  of  next  is  an 
advisable  period  to  sow  seed  of  Delphinium  Ajdcis  fibre 
pUno,  or  Double  Rocket  Larkspur.  This  plant  does  not 
flower  in  perfection  unless  sown  in  autumn,  and  grown  a 
little  above  ground  before  winter ;  when  a  few  leaves  can  be 
lightly  thrown  among  them,  but  not  to  cover  them  entirely, 
or  a  few  branches  thickly  laid  on  will  answer  as  well.  There 
are  several  other  annuals  that  bloom  more  early  and  much 
finer  by  being  sown  about  this  period ;  such  as  Erysirtnmi, 
Gilia,  Coredp>sis,  Centaurea,  Cldrkia,  CoUinsia,  &c.  Be 
attentive  in  collecting  and  saving  all  kinds  of  seeds,  and  have 
them  correctly  named,  with  the  year  in  which  they  were 
grown. 

The  finer  kinds  of  Pansy  seeds  that  may  have  been  collect- 
ed during  the  season,  should  now  be  sown  in  a  rich,  free, 
loamy  soil,  and  in  a  situation  where  they  can  be  covered  dur- 
ing winter  with  a  temporary  frame  of  boards ;  although  they 
are  perfectly  hardy,  yet  they  will  bloom  earlier  and  more 
superb  in  the  spring  by  having  a  slight  protection. 


OCTOBER. 

OP   PLANTING   VARIOUS    BULBOUS   AND    TUBEROUS   ROOTS. 

From  the  first  of  October  to  the  middle  of  November  is 
the  best  period  for  a  general  planting  of  bulbs,  corms,  and 
tubers,  which,  if  the  ground  has  been  prepared,  as  formerly 
directed,  will  now  be  in  readiness.  We  will  give  the  names 
and  descriptions  of  a  few  of  the  leading  soi'ts. 

Anemone  liortensis. — The  cultivation  of  this  tuber  has 
been  attended  with  less  satisfaction  than  any  other  floral 
plant  that  has  been  introduced  into  this  country.     The  gene- 


October.']  CROCUS — HYACINTHS.  121 

ral  faihire  may,  in  part,  be  attributed  to  the  very  inferior 
roots  annually  sent  from  Holland,  which  rarely  arrive  in 
good  order;  and  those  that  do  grow  are  very  discouraging, 
never  making  a  tuber  sufficient  for  another  year's  planting. 
Several  hundred  varieties  are  cultivated  in  England  with  great 
care  and  complete  success.  They  are  planted  in  a  deep  rich 
soil,  using  a  considerable  portion  of  cow  manure  and  decom- 
posed leaves,  covering  the  crowns  of  the  roots  about  two 
inches.  The  tubes  are  flat,  but  the  eye  from  whence  the 
flower-stem  arises  is  apparent  on  one  of  the  sides,  which  must 
be  laid  uppermost.  During  the  severity  of  winter  they  should 
be  protected  by  a  frame,  and  have  a  sprinkling  of  very  dry 
leaves  strewn  among  them. 

Crocus. — There  are  upwards  of  one  hundred  varieties  of 
this  vernal  flower  in  cultivation,  attended  with  universal  suc- 
cess. They  delight  in  rich  soils,  and  may  either  be  planted 
in  beds  or  rows,  at  least  two  inches  deep,  and  six  inches  from 
row  to  row — they  seldom  require  removal ;  every  three  or 
four  years  will  be  sufficient.  They  can  be  purchased  at  from 
seventy-five  cents  to  two  dollars  per  hundred,  according  to 
quality.  When  they  are  done  blooming,  the  foliage  should 
not  be  removed  till  perfectly  decayed. 

Fritilldrla,  or  Crown  Imperial.     See  last  month. 

Hyacinths. — The  ground  that  was  prepared  for  these  last 
month  should  all  be  divided  into  beds  four  feet  wide,  leaving 
between  each  alleys  of  twenty  inches.  Skim  off"  four  or  five 
inches  of  the  surface  of  the  former  into  the  latter,  level  the 
bed  smoothly  with  the  rake,  and  mark  it  off"  in  rows  eight 
inches  apart.  Plant  the  roots  in  the  row  eight  inches  asunder. 
Thus  they  will  be  in  squares,  and  by  planting  the  diff"erent 
colours,  alternately,  the  bed  will  be  beautifully  diversified. 
Cover  each  bulb  with  sand,  when  it  can  be  procured.  Put 
about  four  inches  of  earth  over  the  crowns,  which  will  make 
the  beds  from  two  to  three  inches  higher  than  the  alleys.  The 
beds  before  and  after  planting  should  be  gently  rounded  from 
the  middle  to  each  side,  to  let  the  rain  pass  off".  Finish  all 
by  raking  evenly,  straighten  the  edgings  with  the  line,  and 
clear  out  the  alleys  or  pathways. 

We  have  grown  Hyacinths  in  great  perfection,  when,  in 
addition  to  the  above,  we  covered  them  with  two  to  three 
inches  of  cow  manure.  The  Dutch  florists  name  nearly  two 
thousand  varieties  of  this  flower,  and  have  large  fields  de- 
voted to  their  culture  When  the  double  varieties  were  first 
II 


122  P^ONIAS.  [  October. 

brought  into  notice,  they  sold  at  from  one  to  two  thousand 
guilders  a  root  (about  from  four  to  eight  hundred  dollars). 
The  finer  kinds  can  be  purchased  at  from  two  to  four  dollars 
per  dozen. 

Iris,  or  Fleur  de  luce. — The  English  and  Parisian  Irises 
are  coming  into  repute  as  showy  garden-flowers.  They  will 
grow  in  any  well-prepared  soil,  and  require  to  be  planted  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  tulip. 

Jonquils. — Double  and  single.  Plant  these  in  the  same 
soil  as  Tulips,  six  inches  apart,  and  cover  three  inches  deep. 
They  do  not  flower  so  well  the  first  year  as  in  the  second  and 
third,  therefore  should  only  be  lifted  every  third  year. 

Lilium. — The  family  of  Lilies  are  all  splendid,  very  inte- 
resting, and  easy  of  culture,  requiring  merely  a  good  deep 
loamy  soil — nowise  inclined  to  moisture.  They  are  all 
hardy,  except  L.  japbnicum  and  L.  longifibrum,  which  we 
lift  in  November,  and  again  plant  them  about  the  first  of 
March,  keeping  them  through  the  winter  in  dry  sand,  in  a 
cellar  free  from  frost.  The  hardy  kinds,  deserving  most 
attention,  are  L.  Cdndidum  (the  double  variety  of  it  is  not 
worth  growing),  L.  Chalceddnicuni  and  its  varieties,  L.  Ti- 
yrinum,  L.  Concolor,  and  L.  Mdrtagon )  these,  with  the 
species  indigenous  to  this  country,  are  all  very  beautiful. 
They  should  be  planted  from  three  to  five  inches  deep,  accord- 
ing to  the  size  of  the  bulb,  and  need  not  be  taken  up  oftener 
than  once  in  every  three  or  four  years.  None  of  the  species 
can  be  transplanted  after  they  have  grown,  without  injuring 
their  flowering. 

Narcissus  require  treatment  similar  to  the  Lily,  except  the 
soil,  which  must  be  richer,  and  even  then  they  do  not  bloom 
so  finely  in  a  few  years  as  they  do  when  first  imported ;  but 
they  are  cheap,  and  can  annually  be  procured. 

Pcebnias  are'  all  magnificent  in  flower,  and,  for  display,  are 
not  surpassed  by  any  spring-blooming  plant ;  and  we  do  cheer- 
fully urge  our  readers  to  cultivate  the  choice  sorts,  which  can 
scarcely  be  said  to  have  a  rival.     Such  are — 

P.  Moutdn  Bdnksii,  common  double  blush  tree  Paeonia. 
P.  Moutdn  papaverdcea,  single  white  tree  Paeonia,  with  pur- 
ple centre. 
P.  Moutdn  rosea,  large  rose,  semi-double  tree  Paeonia 
P.  Moutdn  odor dta,  sweet-scented,  rose-coloured  tree  Pseonia. 
P.  Moutdn  albida  pleno,  double  white  tree  Paeonia. 


Octooer.']  TULIPS.  123 

The  following  are  Herbaceous  P^onias  : — 

P.  edulis  alhijlbra,  single  white. 

P.  edulis  ivhideji,  superb  double  white. 

P.  edidis  ITumei,  very  large  double  rose. 

P.  edulis  frdgrans,  double  red,  sweet-scented. 

P.  edidis  Beevesiana,  Chinese  double  purple  crimson. 

P.  edulis  Pottsii,  double  blush,  very  distinct. 

P.  odordta,  double  lilac. 

P.  mutabilis,  double  rose,  changing  to  blush. 

P.  anemonejiora,  double  dark  crimson,  very  distinct. 

P.  officinalis  r libra,  common  double. 

P.  officinalis  atropurpiirea,  very  dark  crimson. 

P.  officindlis  albicans,  changeable  white  rose,  or  blush. 

There  are  several  other  splendid  double  varieties  in  our 
collections,  which  have  not  yet  bloomed  in  this  country. 
There  are  also  a  few  very  choice  single  kinds  that  are  desira- 
ble for  growing  to  raise  new  sorts  from ;  for  it  is  from  the 
single  species  that  the  Chinese  have  been  so  successful  in 
procuring  the  magnificent  double  varieties,  which  are  so  anx- 
iously and  perseveringly  sought  for.  The  seeds  mature  well 
in  this  country,  and  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  ripe ;  they 
will  vegetate  the  following  spring,  and  in  three  years  may  be 
expected  to  bloom.  The  Pasony  will  grow  in  any  rich, 
loamy  soil,  which  should  be  at  least  fifteen  inches  deep.  An 
eastern  situation  or  aspect  is  best  adapted  for  them  in  this 
latitude ;  but  in  the  more  Southern  States,  they  will  display 
their  flowers  better  on  a  northern  aspect,  or  where  they  will 
be  shaded  from  the  sun,  but  not  under  the  dripping  of  trees. 
The  most  suitable  time  for  planting  them  is  in  September, 
October,  or  November.  Spring-planted  roots  never  succeed 
well  the  first  year.  Paeony  moutan  and  its  varieties  are  all 
of  a  shrubby  nature,  and  will  grow  into  large  bushes,  pro- 
ducing from  fifty  to  one  hundred  blooms  of  not  less  than 
fifteen  inches  in  circumference ;  they  can  be  propagated  by 
division  of  the  root,  or  by  layers. 

Tulii^s. — ^As  this  flower  will  soon  be  a  decided  favourite 
over  this  mighty  country,  we  will  give  a  minute  description 
of  the  soil  most  genial  to  it,  at  the  same  time  remarking  that 
it  will  grow  in  almost  any  soil  or  situation,  though  less  per- 
fect.    Many  of  the  kinds  are  of  the  most  splendid  colours  and 


124  TULIPS.  r  October. 

strong  in  growth,  frequently  growing  over  three  feet  in 
height,  with  cups  sufficiently  large  to  satisfy  the  greatest 
Bacchus.  All  writers  agree  that  Tulip  beds  should  bo 
"  four  feet  wide ;"  though  I  think  three  and  a  half  will  be 
found  more  convenient,  and,  in  length,  according  to  the 
number  of  roots  to  be  planted.  The  soil  should  consist  of 
good  fresh  loam,  mixed  with  a  small  portion  of  well-rotted 
stable-manure,  at  least  two  years  old.  The  whole  should  be 
incorporated  together  four  months  previous  to  using.  The 
common  soil  should  be  taken  out  sixteen  inches  deep,  and 
filled  with  the  above  compost.  Raise  the  beds  not  less  than 
three  inches  above  the  paths  at  the  outside,  and  about  six  or 
eight  inches  in  the  middle ;  this  convexity  will  assist  in 
throwing  off  the  water  in  times  of  heavy  and  continued  rains. 
The  bed  thus  formed,  plant  the  bulbs  in  rows,  lengthwise  on 
the  bed,  about  six  inches  from  bulb  to  bulb,  and  seven  inches 
from  row  to  row.  The  bed  may  be  marked  out  by  straining 
a  line  very  tight,  lengthwise  on  the  bed,  and  beating  it  with 
the  back  of  the  spade,  leaving  a  lined  groove  along  the  ground. 
Then,  with  a  lath  four  feet  long,  let  the  bed  be  marked  across 
at  six  inches  distance,  so  as  to  leave  distinct  impressions  at 
each  crossing  of  the  ground-lines;  for  these  will  form  the 
spots  where  the  bulbs  are  to  be  planted,  by  means  of  a  dibber, 
made  larger  than  the  largest  bulb,  and  flattened  at  the  end. 
The  holes  are  to  be  made  four  inches  deep,  and  about  half  an 
inch  of  sharp  sand  ought  to  be  dropped  in  each.  The  centre 
line  ought  to  be  planted  with  the  tallest  kinds,  and  the  out- 
side of  the  bed  with  the  lowest.  In  severe  frosts  they  should 
be  protected  by  boards  or  branches.  Tulips  have  ever  been 
held  in  the  highest  estimation.  As  early  as  1637  history 
records  one  hundred  and  twenty  Tulips  being  sold  at  public 
auction  for  no  less  a  sum  than  nine  thousand  guilders,  equal  to 
thirty-six  hundred  dollars;  and  in  England,  at  the  present 
day,  a  good  collection  is  valued  at  five  thousand  dollars. 
Ploi'ists  generally  divide  them  into  three  classes,  viz.,  first, 
Byhloemens,  such  as  have  a  white  ground,  variegated  with 
purple,  as  Blenfait,  or  Washington,  &c. ;  secondly,  Bizarres, 
having  a  yellow  ground  variegated  with  scarlet,  purple,  rose, 
or  velvet,  as  Trafalgar,  Due  cle  Savoie,  &c. ;  and,  thirdly, 
Roses  with  white  ground,  variegated  with  rose,  scarlet,  or 
crimson,  as  La  Tendresse,  Rose  mignonne,  &c. 


October.']  GRASS  and  gravel-walks.  125 

The  superb  kinds  are  often  very  expensive;  even  fifty 
pounds  sterling  is  frequently  given  for  a  single  bulb ;  and  we 
doubt  much  if  these  high-priced  kinds  are  finer  than  Washing- 
ton, Mllo,  or  Trafalgar,  which,  with  many  others,  can  bo  pro- 
cured for  less  than  one  dollar  each. 


PLANTING  AND  TRANSPLANTING. 

This  is  a  very  proper  period  to  plant  the  beautiful  and 
early  flowering  Pyrus  japdnica,  now  called  Ci/donia  japo- 
nica.  The  blossoms  are  of  a  rich  scarlet  colour.  It  is  the 
earliest  flowering  shrub  of  the  garden,  and  deciduous,  though 
said  by  some  to  be  "  an  evergreen."  The  plant  is  bushy, 
and  well  adapted  for  single  plants  in  grass-plats,  or  forming 
low  ornamental  hedges.  There  is  likewise  C.  j.  alba,  a  tine 
blush  variety  of  the  same  habit,  and  both  are  of  the  hardiest 
nature. 

Double  Primroses,  Polyanthus,  Daisies,  &c. — Any  of  these 
that  were  planted  in  shaded  situations  in  spring,  and  have 
been  preserved  through  the  summer,  should  have  for  their 
farther  protection  a  bed  well  sheltered  from  the  north-west,  in 
which  they  should  be  planted  four  inches  apart.  Give  them 
a  few  sprinklings  of  water  in  the  morning,  and  have  a  tempo- 
rary frame  of  rough  boards  put  together  to  place  over  them 
during  the  severity  of  winter.  The  frame  may  be  covered  with 
the  same  in  place  of  glass,  which  must  be  kept  over  them 
while  they  are  in  a  frozen  state. 

Any  other  plants  that  are  in  the  ground,  which  are  intended 
to  be  protected  with  frames  through  the  winter,  ought  to  be 
immediately  lifted  and  potted,  and  treated  as  directed  for  all 
new-potted  plants. 


GRASS   AND   GRAVEL-WALKS. 

The  former  should  be  trimly  cut  and  well  rolled  this 
month,  that  they  may  appear  neat  all  winter.  Never  allow 
decayed  leaves  to  lie  any  time  upon  them,  as  they  are  apt  to 
rot  out  the  grass.  The  latter  should  be  divested  of  every 
weed,  and  receive  a  firm  rolling.  Clear  them  at  all  times  of 
leaves  and  other  litter.  These,  if  on  a  declivity,  and  have 
11* 


126  DAHLIAS.  iNbvemder. 

not  a  firm  substantial  bottom,  will  be  subject  to  be  cut  up 
with  every  heavy  rain.  A  break  should  be  put  in  every 
twenty,  forty,  or  eighty  feet,  to  throw  off  the  water.  A 
strong  plank  will  answer  perfectly  well,  but  in  such  situations 
we  would  prefer  grass-walks. 


PLANTING   EVERGREENS. 

This  month  is  the  best  period  in  autumn  to  plant  these 
shrubs ;  and  where  there  is  a  great  extent  to  be  planted,  it 
would  be  advisable  to  do  a  part  of  it  now;  but  we  give  the 
preference  to  April,  which  see  for  directions. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

When  the  plantings  of  bulbs,  &c.,  are  finished,  every  part 
of  the  garden  should  have  a  thorough  cleaning.  All  annual 
flowers  will  have  passed  the  season  of  their  beauty ;  therefore, 
remove  the  decayed  flower-stems  or  Laum,  and  trim  off  the 
borders.  Dig  all  vacant  ground,  especially  that  intended  to 
be  planted  with  shrubs  in  the  ensuing  spring,  which  ought  to 
be  dug  from  one  to  two  feet  deep. 


NOVEMBER. 

DAHLIAS. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  delay  lifting  the  roots  of  the  Dahlia 
after  the  first  of  the  month,  as  frequently  severe  frosts  set 
in  about  this  period,  and  would  totally  destroy  them.  Choose 
a  dry  day  for  the  purpose,  and  with  a  spade  carefully  lift 
every  root,  divesting  it  of  any  earth  that  may  adhere  there- 
to, but  not  to  shake  it  off,  as  thereby  the  neck  of  the  tubers 
would  be  bruised,  and  probably  entirely  destroy  the  vitality  of 
the  plant  for  the  coming  season.  With  us,  the  frost  generally 
destroys  the  foliage  and  stems  of  the  plants  from  about  the 


November.}  erythrinas.  127 

middle  of  October  to  the  beginning  of  the  present  month. 
The  stems  should  then  be  cut  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the 
ground,  when  the  roots  should  be  lifted  directly  thereafter, 
and  the  labels  properly  secured  to  them  with  metallic  wire. 
Many  opinions  are  given  for  the  best  method  of  securing 
them  during  winter  from  the  effects  of  frost,  which  is  their 
certain  destruction.  In  this  country,  a  dry  close  cellar,  that 
will  retain  a  temperature  of  not  less  than  thirty-five  degrees, 
and  not  over  forty-five,  will  be  the  most  proper  place  :  if  the 
tubers  are  small,  they  should  be  covered  with  dry  sand  or 
earth.  The  method  we  have  adopted  with  our  finest  kinds, 
which  has  retulted  in  complete  success,  is  to  lay  dry  boards 
on  the  cellar  floor,  and  place  the  roots  closely  thereon,  cover- 
ing them  to  the  stem  with  dry  sand,  laying  mats  over  all : 
in  this  manner  they  preserve  till  spring  in  the  most  perfect 
order.  They  can  also  be  kept  in  a  cool  green-house ;  but 
must  be  protected  from  drippings  of  water  falling  upon 
them. 


TUREROSES,    TIGRIDIAS,    AND   AMARYLLIS. 

These  tubers  and  bulbs,  as  soon  as  the  frost  has  partly  in- 
jured the  foliage,  should  be  taken  up,  and  dried  thoroughly 
in  the  sun,  taking  care,  at  all  times,  to  keep  them  clear  from 
frost.  When  they  are  dry,  divest  them  of  their  foliage  and 
fibres,  and  pack  them  in  boxes  with  dry  sand  or  moss.  Store 
these  away  for  the  winter,  either  in  a  room  or  a  dry  cellar, 
where  they  will  at  all  times  be  exempt  from  frost,  the  least 
touch  of  which  would  destroy  them.  We  have  kept  them 
completely  secure  in  the  cellar. 


ERYTHRINAS. 

Where  there  are  any  plants  of  E.  Jierhacea,  E.  laurifblia, 
and  E.  crista-giilla,  which  are  intended  to  bo  lifted,  they 
should  be  carefully  done  and  preserved  in  half-dry  eartb,  and 
kept  beside  the  Dahlias  They  are  magnificent  ornaments  in 
the  flower-garden. 


128  CHOICE  CARNATIONS,  ETC.  [November. 


PRIMROSES,    POLYANTHUS,    AND    DAISIES, 

That  were  planted  in  a  sheltered  spot,  as  directed  last 
month,  should  have  a  frame  placed  over  them,  and  their 
covering  in  readiness  for  the  approach  of  winter;  giving  the 
plants  a  light  covering  of  leaves,  which  will  preserve  their 
foliage  from  the  effects  of  frost. 


CHOICE   CARNATIONS,   PINKS,   PANSIES,    AND   AURICULAS, 

That  are  in  pots,  should  be  placed  in  the  frame  intended 
for  their  abode  during  winter.  If  the  pots  are  plunged  to 
the  rims  in  dry  leaves  or  sawdust,  it  will  greatly  protect  their 
roots  from  the  severe  effects  of  frost.  Where  glass  is  used 
for  these  frames,  they  should  have  besides  a  covering  of 
boards  or  straw  mats ;  those  that  are  in  beds  may  be  covered 
as  above  directed  for  Primroses,  &c. 

They  ought  not  to  be  uncovered  while  in  a  frozen  state. 
It  is  not  altogether  the  intensity  of  cold  that  destroys  these 
plants  so  much  as  the  alternate  thawing  and  freezing. 

All  half-hardy  plants,  such  as  Wall-flower,  German  stocks, 
Sweet-hay,  tender  roses,  with  several  others,  should  be 
protected  as  above  directed  for  Carnations.  Earth  or  tan 
should  be  put  round  the  outside  of  these  frames,  which  will 
be  a  partial  shelter  from  the  changing  state  of  the  atmo- 
sphere. Oak  leaves  answer  the  purpose  very  well,  but  they 
are  a  harbour  for  all  kinds  of  vermin,  especially  rats  and 
mice,  which  WDuld  destroy  everything.  It  may  be  useful 
to  say  a  few  words  on  the  nature  of  tan  or  tanners'  bark. 
Many  suppose  that  the  smallest  quantity  will  produce  heat. 
If  three  or  four  cart-loads  of  it  are  put  into  one  heap,  and 
protected  from  the  rain,  it  will  ferment ;  and  when  the  first 
fermentation  is  abated,  by  mixing  it  with  leaves,  a  substan- 
tial hot-bed  may  be  made,  or  put  it  by  itself  into  a  pit ;  and 
when  there  is  no  pit,  boards  may  be  substituted  to  keep  it 
together  :  either  of  these  methods  will  produce  a  lasting 
heat.  But  in  small  quantities,  and  exposed  to  rain,  &c.,  no 
heat  will  be  produced,  but  rather  the  contrary.  It  is  excel- 
lent, when  dry,  in  keeping  out  frost  from  any  plants ;  being 
a  body  not  easily  penetrated,  similar   to  dry  sand,  sawdust, 


November.^  of  planting,  etc.                           129 

or  dry  leaves.  Frequently  the  same  opinion  is  held  in  re- 
gard to  stable  manure,  small  portions  of  which  will  never 
produce  heat. 


OF   PROTECTING   PLANTS   IN    THE   GARDEN. 

Dunng  this  or  next  month,  according  to  the  state  of  the 
season,  protect  all  the  plants  that  are  in  the  ground,  which 
are  not  completely  hardy.  The  coverings  may  be  straw, 
Russia  mats,  canvass,  boxes  or  barrels.  The  latter  two  must 
be  perforated  in  the  top,  to  let  the  damp  air  pass  off,  or  the 
plant  would  become  musty  and  decay.  Those  covered  with 
straw  or  mats  should  have  small  stakes  placed  round  the 
plants,  aad  covering  tied  thereto,  and  remain  so  until  the 
month  of  March  or  first  of  April.  Herbaceous  plants  that 
are  tender  may  be  covered  with  three  or  four  inches  of  tan, 
sawdust,  or  half-decayed  leaves,  which  will  tend  greatly  to 
preserve  their  roots.  These  coverings  must  be  carefully  re- 
moved on  the  first  opening  of  spring.  The  shrubs  that  are 
otherwise  covered  would  be  greatly  benefited  by  having  their 
roots  protected  in  a  similar  manner,  as  directed  for  herbace- 
ous plants. 


PROTECTION    OP   SEEDLING   BULBS. 

If  any  seeds  of  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  or  Fritilldria ,  were 
gown  in  pots  or  boxes,  let  them  be  removed  to  a  dry,  shel- 
tered situation,  and  plunged  level  with  the  ground;  or  fill 
the  spaces  between  them  with  dry  leaves  or  tanners'  bark, 
and  cover  the  whole  with  new-fallen  leaves,  laying  over  all 
a  few  boards  to  prevent  the  wind  blowing  them  off.  These 
form  better  coverings  than  straw  or  haum,  which  is  liable 
to  become  musty,  and  communicate  the  effect  to  the  roots. 
The  above  covering  is  not  required  until  the  approach  of 
severe  frost. 


OF   PLANTING   DECIDUOUS   TREES   AND    SHRUBS. 

It  is   not  recommendable  to  make  a  general  planting  of 
these  at  this  period  of  the  year;  the  success  entirely  depend 


130  GENERAL  oBSEKVATiOxNP.  [_Dece7nber 

ing  on  tne  nature  of  the  season  and  the  state  of  the  soil. 
If  any  are  planted,  let  them  be  those  of  the  hardiest  nature, 
and  in  light  and  absorbent  soil,  not  subject  to  be  stagnated 
or  over-flooded  during  winter.  When  this  and  nest  month 
are  mild,  autumn  plantings  are  very  frequently  as*  sure  aa 
those  of  the  spring.  But  the  precarious  state  of  the  season 
is  not  to  be  depended  upon,  therefore  avoid  large  plantings 
of  any  kind,  and  more  especially  of  delicate  roses,  the  roots 
of  which  are  apt  to  rot  off,  except  they  have  been  previously 
grown  in  pots.  Nothing  can  be  more  injurious  to  a  plant, 
at  this  season  particularly,  than  to  bed  its  roots  in  mortar, 
by  which  the  tender  fibres  either  perish  or  are  cramped  ever 
afterward.  The  soil  at  the  time  of  planting  should  be  so. 
friable  as  not  to  adhere  to  the  spade,  which  is  a  good  rule  in 
planting  at  any  season,  or  in  any  soil. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

Carry  out  of  the  garden  all  decayed  leaves  and  litter  of 
every  description,  cutting  down  any  weeds  that  remain. 
Collect  all  the  stakes  and  rods  that  have  been  supporting 
plants,  tie  them  up  in  bundles  for  the  use  of  next  year,  and 
put  them  under  cover.  Look  over  every  part  of  the  garden, 
and  see  that  nothing  has  been  omitted  in  the  way  of  cover- 
ing or  other  protection.  The  sashes  that  are  to  be  used  on 
the  frames  should  be  perfectly  whole,  every  interstice  in  the 
glass  puttied,  and  all  ready  for  use  when  occasion  may  re- 
quire. Attend  to  all  plants  in  pots,  and  give  them  gentle 
waterings  as  they  stand  in  need ;  but  never  during  the  time 
the  soil  is  frozen  about  the  roots. 


DECEMBER. 

GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 


Having  in  the  preceding  months  under  this  head  given 
details  for  the  protection  of  plants  of  a  delicate  nature,  and 


December.']  GENERAL  observations.  131 

the  forwarding  of  necessary  work,  only  a  few  remarks  remain 
to  be  added.  If  there  is  any  part  therein  described  omitted, 
have  it  done  forthwith  :  every  day  increases  the  danger  of 
severe  weather.  If  there  are  doubts  of  any  plants  or  shrubs 
not  standing  without  some  light  covering,  it  is  best  to  err  on 
the  side  of  safety.  Valuable  plants  on  walls,  and  in  danger  of 
being  destroyed,  it  is  advisable  to  be  at  the  expense  of  having 
jt  frame  made  to  surround  them,  and  cover  the  same  with 
oil-cloth.  The  frame  thus  covered  should  be  taken  off  in 
mild  weather,  and  replaced  again  when  necessary,  causing  very 
little  trouble ;  and,  if  properly  taken  care  of,  will  last  many 
years.  Coverings  of  any  construction,  and  of  the  same  ma- 
terial, would  answer  for  any  part  of  the  garden,  and  are  the 
best  in  our  opinion  that  could  be  adopted. 


THE 


AMEKICAN  FLOWER-GAllDEN 
DIRECTORY. 


HOT-HOUSE. 

ON   THE   CONSTRUCTION   OP  A   HOT-HOUSE. 

There  have  been  many  plans  devised  and  visionary  pro- 
jects offered  to  the  public  as  the  best  for  a  well-regulated 
hot-house.  As  we  intend  forming  one  for  practical  purposes, 
we  shall  adopt  a  convenient  size,  have  flues  for  the  convey- 
ance of  heat,  and  coal  or  wood  for  fuel. 

Site  and  Aspect. — The  house  should  stand  on  a  situation 
naturally  dry,  and,  if  possible,  sheltered  from  the  north-west, 
and  clear  from  all  shade  on  the  south,  east  and  west,  so  that 
the  sun  may  at  all  times  act  effectually  upon  the  house.  The 
standard  principle,  as  to  aspect,  is  to  set  the  front  directly  to 
the  south.  Any  deviation  from  that  point  should  incline  to 
the  east. 

Dimensions. — The  length  may  be  from  ten  feet  upward ; 
but,  if  beyond  forty  feet,  the  number  of  fires  and  flues  are 
multiplied.  The  medium  width  is  from  twelve  to  sixteen  feet. 
Our  directions  will  apply  to  the  two  extreme  points,  viz., 
forty  feet  by  sixteen,  and  in  height  at  back,  from  twelve  to 
eighteen  feet ;  the  height  in  front  six  feet,  including  about 
three  feet  in  brick  basement,  to  support  the  front  glass, 
which  will  be  two  and  a  half  feet,  allowing  six  inches  for 
framework. 

12  (133) 


134  HOT-HOUSE. 

Furnace  and  Flues. — It  is  of  great  importance  to  have 
these  erected  in  such  a  manner  as  will  effectually  heat  the 
house.  The  greatest  difficulty  is  to  have  the  furnace  to  draw 
well.  As  workmen  are  not  generally  conversant  on  the  sub- 
ject, nor  yet  understand  the  effect  or  distribution  of  heat  in 
these  departments,  we  will  give  minute  details  on  their  con- 
struction. The  furnace  should  be  outside  of  the  house, 
either  at  the  back  or  end ;  the  former  is  preferable,  circum- 
stances not  always  allowing  it  on  the  other  plan.  Dig  out  the 
furnace-hole,  or  what  is  termed  stock-hole,  about  five  feet  deep. 
Lot  the  door  of  the  furnace  be  in  the  back  wall  of  the  house, 
thereby  having  all  the  heated  building  inside,  that  no  heat 
may  be  lost.  The  brick-work  round  the  furnace  should  be 
nine  inches  thick,  laying  the  inside  with  fire-brick.  Around 
the  outside  leave  a  vacuum  two  or  three  inches  wide,  to  allow 
the  heat  to  arise  from  around  the  furnace  into  the  interior  of 
the  house,  thereby  saving  the  whole  heat  of  the  fuel.  The 
furnace  will  require  to  be  two  and  a  half  feet  long,  ten  inches 
wide,  and  one  foot  high,  before  the  spring  of  the  arch  and 
clear  of  the  bars ;  leave  one  foot  for  an  ash-pit,  then  lay  the 
bars.  They  should  be  sixteen  inches  long,  one  inch  broad 
on  the  upper  side,  two  inches  deep,  and  two-eighths  broad  on 
the  lower  side,  and,  with  the  door  and  frame,  should  be  cast 
iron.  Half  an  inch  between  each  bar  will  be  sufficient.  The 
flue  should  rise  from  the  furnace  by  a  steep  declivity  of  from 
twenty  inches  to  two  feet,  and  pass  the  door  of  the  house 
(without  a  dip),  when  it  must  be  elevated  above  the  level  of 
the  floor  of  the  house  along  the  front,  and  at  the  opposite 
end  of  the  house  must  dip  to  pass  the  door.  The  dip  must 
not  be  lower  than  the  bottom  of  the  flue  at  the  neck  of  the 
furnace.  Lead  it  along  the  back  to  enter  the  wall  over  the 
furnace.  When  thus  taken  round  the  house,  the  heat  will 
be  expanded  before  it  enters  the  chimney.  The  inside  of 
the  flues  should  be  from  six  to  ten  inches  wide,  and  eight 
inches  deep ;  plaster  the  bottom  of  it,  but  no  other  part,  as 
plaster  is  partially  a  non-conductor.  The  above  description 
is  for  burning  anthracite  coal ;  but  where  wood  is  to  be  the 
fuel,  the  furnace  must  be  one-half  larger.  We  have  been 
particular  in  the  description  of  furnace  bars,  as  those  gene- 
rally used  are  miserable  substitutes.  Circumstances  may 
cause  the  furnace  to  be  placed  at  the  end  or  front  of  the 
house.     In  either  case,  the  stock-hole  will  not  require  to  be 


HOT-HOUSE.  185 

BO  deep;  or  where  there  is  only  one  door  m  the  house,  a 
stock-hole  three  and  a  half  feet  deep  will  be  enough,  which 
should  be  built  like  a  cellar,  to  keep  out  any  under  water.  In 
all  instances,  pass  the  first  flue  to  the  front  of  the  Louse,  over 
which  have  a  close  table,  covered  with  two  inches  of  sand,  and, 
by  keeping  it  moist,  will  aflford  a  very  congenial  heat  to  young 
and  valuable  plants.  Likewise  over  the  furnace  have  a  frame 
in  the  same  manner,  which  will  be  found  useful  for  propaga- 
ting. Any  part  of  the  furnace  or  flue  tbat  is  under  the  floor 
of  the  house  should  have  a  vacuity  on  both  sides  to  let  the 
heat  pass  upward. 

Furnaces  and  flues  on  the  above  construction  are  the  most 
simple  in  arrangement,  and  the  easiest  to  manage  at  all  times. 
But  where  capital,  taste,  and  practical  science  can  be  united, 
the  more  elegant  disposition  of  heating  by  hot  water  is  now 
universally  adopted  in  extensive  glass  structures,  and  will 
soon  be  generally  adopted  in  the  dwellings  of  the  better 
class.  AVe  have  used  it  in  every  variety  of  form  and  struc- 
ture for  the  past  twelve  years,  and  have  .now  five  green- 
houses, each  over  one  hundred  feet  long,  heated  by  it,  using 
every  variety  of  pipe  and  form  of  boiler;  have  also  used 
wooden  and  cement  tanks.  Sand  beds  heated  by  it  for  pro- 
pagating upon.  It  cannot  be  economically  used  in  green- 
houses under  seventy-five  feet  long,  and  sixteen  to  thirty 
feet  wide.  In  all  erections  for  plant  or  grape  culture,  at,  or 
over  that  extent,  the  best  and  cheapest  method  of  applying 
artificial  heat  is  by  the  di3"usion  of  hot  water  through  cast 
iron  or  copper  pipes,  of  three  or  four  inches  in  diameter.  The 
boiler  may  be  of  any  size,  from  five  to  fifteen  gallons — of 
any  shape,  from  a  pancake  to  a  puncheon ;  though  that  best 
adapted  to  the  exposing  the  greatest  surface  to  the  fire  is  to 
be  preferred.  We  use  what  is  termed  the  saddle  boiler,  and 
also  the  double  cylinder  boiler,  preferring  the  latter,  which 
holds  about  ten  gallons,  and  will  supply  heat  enough  for  two 
green-houses,  each  one  hundred  feet  h'Og,  or  will  supply  a 
green-house  of  one-hundred  feet  in  length,  and  a  hot-house 
fifty  feet,  and  from  sixteen  to  twenty  feet  wide,  using  four 
inch  pipe,  at  a  cost  of  about  §:250,  including  labour  and 
materials.  Its  erection  is  perfectly  simple,  and  can  be  done 
by  any  good  bricklayer  and  handy  labourer;  build  the  boiler 
in  the  centre  of  the  furnace,  with  its  bottom  about  twelve  or 
fourteen  inches  above  the  fire  bars ;  allow  the  heat  to  have 


136  HOT-HOUSE. 

full  play  all  round  the  boiler,  carrying  the  flue  about  forty 
or  fifty  feet  through  the  house,  that  no  heat  may  be  lost; 
attach  two  pipes  to  the  surface  or  top  of  the  boiler,  if  it  is  to 
heat  right  and  left,  but  only  one  pipe  if  the  heat  is  to  be 
carried  in  one  direction ;  distribute  the  pipe  -wherever  re- 
quired, giving  it  an  ascent  of  not  Iftss  than  six  inches  to  the 
fifty  feet,  more  if  it  can  be  done — return  the  pipe,  entering 
it  into  the  lowest  part  of  the  boiler;  the  greater  the  ascent 
and  descent,  the  more  rapid  the  circulation.  The  joints  of 
the  pipe  are  closed  by  soft  hemp  rope,  firmly  rammed  up  and 
closed  by  a  mixture  of  white  and  red  lead  made  to  the  con- 
sistency of  putty.  These  joints  are  preferable  to  those  of  lead, 
which  expand  and  contract  by  strong  heat,  requiring  to  be 
hammered  up  frequently  during  the  season — they  can  also 
be  very  readily  taken  apart,  when  removal  or  alteration  is  re- 
quired. It  must  be  observed  that  air  tubes  have  to  be  inserted 
into  the  highest  part  of  the  pipes  at  each  extremity,  and  also 
one  over,  or  near  the  boiler,  for  the  conveniency  of  supplying 
water.  If  the  pipes  diverge  from  the  boiler  to  two  extremes, 
each  extremity  must  be  on  a  level,  which  otherwise  will  cause 
an  unequal  diffusion  of  heat. 

Example. — If  a  liouse  to  the  right  of  the  boiler  one  hun- 
dred feet  long  has  the  extreme  end  of  the  pipe  elevated  one  foot 
above  the  level  of  the  boiler,  a  house  fifty  feet  long  to  the  left 
must  have  the  same  elevation,  othei'wise  the  heat  will  be  the 
greatest  where  the  pipe  is  highest. 

This  we  consider  the  most  economical  method  of  heating  by 
hot  water,  and  it  is  by  far  the  most  simple — simple  indeed 
in  every  part,  though  volumes  have  been  written  on  the  sub- 
ject. 

Bark  Pit. — We  consider  such  an  erection  in  the  centre  of 
a  hot-house  a  nuisance,  and  prefer  a  stage,  which  may  be  con- 
structed according  to  taste.  It  should  be  made  of  the  best 
Carolina  pine,  leaving  a  passage  all  round,  to  cause  a  free 
circulation  of  air.  The  back  and  end  paths  may  be  about  two 
feet  wide,  and  the  front  three  feet.  The  angle  of  the  stage 
should  be  parallel  with  the  glass,  having  the  steps  from  six 
inches  to  one  foot  apart. 

Where  there  are  some  large  plants,  they  may  stand  on 
the  floor  behind  the  stage,  or  on  tressels,  according  to  theij; 
height. 


January. \  hothouse.  137 

Angle  of  the  glazed  Roof. — The  pitch  of  the  roof  is  usually 
varied  to  agree  with  the  design  of  the  house,  and  the  size 
of  the  plants  to  be  grown  therein.  Where  pleasure  and  orna- 
ment are  the  principal  objects,  the  angle  should  be  about  33° 
from  the  level  line ;  but  a  few  degrees  of  inclination  either 
way  is  of  minor  importance. 

Materials  for  glazing  Sashes. — Carolina  pine  is  the  best 
material  for  the  wood-work,  as  it  is  not  so  subject  to  decay 
from  moisture  and  heat  as  the  other  kinds  of  pine  wood. 
The  frames  or  sashes  can  be  of  any  convenient  length,  not 
exceeding  ten  feet,  and  about  three  and  a  half  or  four  feet 
wide,  and  made  from  plank  two  inches  thick,  divided  so  as 
they  can  be  glazed  with  glass  six  inches  wide. 

Of  Glazing. — The  pieces  of  glass  should  not  exceed  six 
inches  by  eight,  though  six  by  six  is  preferable;  the  lappings 
about  one  quarter  of  an  inch.  The  frames  ought  to  have 
two  coats  of  paint  previous  to  glazing,  and  the  glass  bedded 
in  putty.  Some  prefer  the  lappings  to  be  puttied  also.  It 
is  our  opinion  that  in  a  hot-house  these  should  not  be  puttied, 
but,  in  the  green-house,  the  closer  they  can  be  made  the 
better. 

Of  Shutters. — These  should  be  made  of  three-quarters  of 
an  inch  white  pine,  and  bound  on  both  ends  and  sides,  having 
a  cross-piece  in  the  middle  of  the  same.  They  ought  to  be 
painted  at  least  once  in  three  years. 


HOT-HOUSE. 
JANUARY. 

At  all  times,  be  very  careful  of  the  temperature  of  this 
department,  and  more  especially  at  this  season  of  the  year, 
as  a  few  minutes'  neglect  might  materially  injure  many  of 
the  delicate  plants.  The  thermometer  ought  to  range 
between  55'  and  65°.  In  fine  sunshiny  '1  lys  admit  a 
little  air  bj  having  sonj-)  of  the  top  aisli.-  iot  down  one, 
12* 


138  HOT-HOUSE.  [January, 

two,  or  three  inches,  according  to  the  weather,  and  let  it 
always  be  done  from  eleven  to  one  o'clock ',  but  by  no  means 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause  a  draft  in  the  interior  of 
the  house,  which  would  be  very  prejudicial.  Therefore,  be 
always  cautious  during  cold  weather  in  administering  that 
necessary  element  to  vegetation,  which  is  so  conducive  to 
health. 


OP  FIRING  AND  FUEL. 

The  hot-house  ought  never  t,  be  left  entirely  to  inexpe- 
rienced persons,  because  they  are  not  aware  what  might  be 
the  result  of  inattention  even  for  an  hour.  Attention 
to  the  following  observations  will  obviate  every  difficulty: 
About  this  season  of  the  year,  frost  generally  sets  in  very 
severe  in  the  Middle  States.  Suppose  the  day  may  have  all 
the  clemency  of  spring,  the  night  may  be  directly  the  re- 
verse. Every  precaution  is  necessary  to  guard  against 
extremes.  The  shutters  are  put  on  every  night  at  sun- 
down, and,  in  severe  weather,  as  soon  as  the  sun  goes  off 
the  glass.  If  the  shutters  are  omitted  till  late  in  severe 
frost,  it  will  so  reduce  the  heat  of  the  house  that  you  can- 
not overcome  it  by  fire  until  near  midnight;  and  when 
done,  the  fire  or  fires  have  been  made  more  powerful  than 
they  ought  to  be,  proving  ungenial  to  the  plants  that  are 
near  the  flues.  The  air,  as  above  directed,  having  been 
taken  off  the  house  at  one  o'clock,  as  soon  as  the  mercury 
begins  to  fall  in  the  thermometer,  kindle  the  fire,  and,  sup- 
posing it  is  anthi'acite  coal,  in  twenty  minutes,  with  a  good 
drawing  furnace,  the  heat  will  operate  in  the  house.  If  a 
coal  fire,  kindled  about  four  o'clock,  it  will  require  an  addi- 
tion about  six,  and  then  may  be  made  up  again  about  nine 
or  ten,  which  will  suffice  until  morning.  The  quantity  must 
be  regulated  by  the  weather.  If  the  fuel  is  wood,  it  must  be 
attended  to  three  or  four  times  during  the  evening;  and, 
when  the  mornings  are  intensely  cold,  a  fire  may  be  requisite. 
When  there  are  bad-drawing  furnaces,  the  fires  must  be  made 
much  earlier,  perhaps  by  two  or  three  o'clock,  which  will  be 
easily  observed  by  the  time  the  fire  takes  effect  upon  the  air 
of  the  house.  The  temperature  ought  never  to  be  under  fifty 
degrees  of  Fahrenheit. 


January.']  hot-house.  139 


OP   WATERING   THE   TLANTS. 

To  do  this  judiciously,  is  so  necessary  to  vegetation,  and  so 
requisite  to  understand,  and  yet  the  knowledge  so  difficult  to 
convey  to  others  (being  entirely  acquired  by  practice),  that  if 
the  power  were  in  man  to  impart  to  his  fellow-men,  he  would 
possess  the  power  of  perfecting  a  gardener  by  diction.  How- 
ever, the  hints  on  this  important  point  of  floriculture  will  be 
as  clear  and  expressive  as  can  at  present  be  elicited.  All 
plants  in  this  work  that  are  aquatic  shall  be  specified  as  such ; 
and  those  that  are  arid  shall  be  duly  mentioned.  All  others 
will  come  in  the  medium. 

All  the  plants  must  be  looked  over  every  day,  and  those 
watered  that  appear  to  be  getting  dry  on  the  top.  It  must 
be  strictly  observed  not  to  give  water  to  any  but  such  as 
strictly  require  it,  and  let  it  be  given  moderately  at  this 
season.  There  is  not  so  much  liability  to  err,  at  present, 
in  giving  too  little,  as  in  administering  too  much.  Vege- 
tation among  the  stove  or  hot-house  plants  will  soon  begin 
to  show,  and  the  soil  will  become  sour  if  it  is  impregnated 
with  stagnant  moisture.  Small  plants  should  always  be 
watered  with  a  pot  having  what  is  termed  a  rose  upon  it. 
The  surface  of  the  rose,  that  is,  where  it  is  perforated  with 
small  apertures,  ought  to  be  level,  or  a  little  concave,  which 
would  convey  the  water  more  to  a  centre,  and  make  neater 
work,  by  preventing  any  water  from  being  unnecessarily 
spilt  in  the  house.  The  size  of  the  pot  will  be  regulated 
by  the  person,  to  suit  the  conveniences  of  the  place.  Water, 
when  applied  either  to  the  roots  or  foliage  of  the  plants, 
should  be  about  the  medium  temperature  of  the  house. 
AVhere  thei'e  are  no  cisterns,  a  tank  or  barrel  might  be  in 
the  house,  in  which  the  water  could  stand  for  one  night  or 
more,  as  is  most  suitable.  When  water  is  given  without 
being  thus  aired,  it  chills  the  roots,  prevents  a  luxuriant 
growth,  injures  the  fresh  and  healthful  appearance  of  the 
foliage,  and  too  frequently  gives  to  all  the  plants  a  sickly 
hue. 


140  HOT-HOUSE.  {January 


OP  INSECTS,  THEIR  DESTRUCTION,  ETC. 

In  this  department,  insects  begin  to  increase  by  hundreds, 
and  too  frequently  tbeir  ravages  are  very  obvious  before  theii 
progress  is  arrested.  We  will  treat  of  those  which  are  most 
common,  under  their  respective  heads,  with  their  nature  and 
cure,  as  far  as  has  come  under  our  observation. 

Aphis  rosce,  of  the  natural  order  of  Hemiptera,  or  what 
is  commonly  known  by  Green  Fly,  G-reen  Lice,  &c.,  infect 
plants  in  general,  and  are  particularly  destructive  in  the 
hot-house  to  Hibiscus  7'dsa-sinensis,  AsclejnAs,  Crdssulu  coc- 
cinca,  Lantdna,  &c.,  and  many  other  plants  of  a  free-growing 
nature.  They  attack  the  young  and  tender  shoots  at  the 
point,  leaving  a  dark  filthy  appearance  on  the  foliage. 
Many  remedies  for  their  destruction  have  been  offered  to 
the  public  by  various  writers,  each  equally  secure  in  his  own 
opinion.  Extensive  practice  alone  can  show  the  most  easy 
and  effectual  cure.  Fumigating  with  tobacco  is  decidedly 
the  most  efficacious,  and  in  the  power  of  any  to  perform. 
Take  a  small  circular  furnace,  made  of  sheet  iron,  diamett;r 
at  top  twelve  inches,  and  at  bottom  eight  j  depth  one  foot, 
having  a  grating  in  it  to  reach  within  three  inches  of  the 
bottom,  which  will  leave  space  for  the  air  to  pass,  and  where 
the  ashes  will  fall  and  be  kept  in  safety,  having  a  handle 
like  a  pail  to  carry  it  with.  This,  or  anything  similar,  being 
ready,  put  in  it  a  few  embers  of  charcoal,  ignited  to  redness ; 
take  it  into  the  centre  of  the  house,  and  put  therein  a  quan- 
tity of  moist  tobacco.  If  it  attempts  to  burn  or  flame, 
sprinkle  a  little  water  thereon ;  and,  as  it  consumes,  continue 
to  add  tobacco  until  the  house  is  entirely  full  of  smoke, 
observing  always  to  do  it  in  still,  cloudy  weather,  or  in  the 
evening.  If  it  is  windy,  the  smoke  is  carried  off  without 
having  half  the  effectj  and  requires  more  tobacco.  The 
house  must  be  closely  shut  up.  There  are  several  plants 
whose  foliage  is  of  a  soft  downy  nature,  such  as  Ileliirojjiums, 
Callacdrjms,  Salvias,  and  many  of  the  Lantdnas,  Vincas, 
with  several  others  that  cannot  stand  strong  fumigation 
without  danger.  These  should  be  put  down  in  the  house, 
or  under  the  stage  These  fumigations  will  have  to  be 
repeated  frequently,  the  time  for  which  will  easily  be  per- 
ceived;   and,    when    required,    ought    not    to    be   delayed. 


January.']  hot-house — insects,  etc.  141 

Several   speoies  and  varieties  of  tlie  same  gpnus,  Aphis,  can 
be  destroyed  in  the  like  manner. 

Acaris  tellurius,  or  red  spider,  is  caused  by  a  dry  atmo- 
sphere, and  its  havoc  generally  is  obvious  before  it  is  arrested. 
With  its  proboscis  it  wounds  the  fine  capillary  vessels  of  the 
leaves.  If-  they  progress  in  their  destructive  work,  the 
leaves  will  prematurely  decay.  On  this  appearance  turn  up 
the  leaf,  and  you  will  see  them  running  about  with  incredi- 
ble swiftness.  Their  body  is  of  a  blood  colour,  and  their  feet 
light  red.  When  very  numerous,  they  work  thick  webs  on 
the  underside  of  the  leaf,  and  frequently  all  over  it,  forming 
a  mass  of  half-dead  plants,  decayed  leaves,  and  thousands  of 
spiders.  The  most  effectual  remedy  is  a  thorough  syringing 
with  water,  and  profusely  under  the  foliage.  This  being 
done  every  evening,  will  subdue  and  eventually  banish  them. 
Had  the  house  been  syringed  two  or  three  times  per  week, 
these  intruders  would  not  have  appeared.  It  is  said  by 
some  writers  that  watering  only  reduces  them  to  a  temporary 
state  of  inaction,  and  will  not  destroy  them.  Laying  aside 
the  many  prescribed  nostrums,  we  assert  that  the  pui'e  ele- 
ment is  the  most  effectual  cure,  as  well  as  the  most  easy  to  be 
obtained.* 

Thrips,  order  Hemiptera,  are  insects  so  minute  aa 
scarcely  to  be  perceptible  to  the  naked  eye.  They  generally 
lurk  close  to  the  veins  of  the  leaves  of  plants,  and  frequently 
attack  esculents.  When  viewed  through  a  glass  they  are 
seen,  when  touched,  to  skip  with  great  agility.  The  larva  is 
of  a  high  brown  or  reddish  colour.  The  thrip  has  four  wings, 
and  walks  with  its  body  turned  upward.  It  frequently  attacks 
the  extremities  of  tender  shoots  or  young  leaves,  which  be- 
come shrivelled,  brown,  and  will  rub  to  dust  easily  between 
the  thumb  and  finger.  When  any  leaves  or  shoots  are  per- 
ceived to  be  so,  if  you  do  not  observe  the  green  fly,  expect 
the  thrips.  They  may  be  destroyed  by  a  fumigation  of  to- 
bacco, in  the  same  manner  as  the  green  fly.  By  the  simple 
and  expeditious  method  of  fumigation,  these  insects  and 
several  others  may  be  destroyed  effectually  at  any  time  they 
appear. 

Cocus  hesperidus,  or  mealy  bug,  has  appeared'  in  the  hot- 

*  Fumes  of  sulphur  is  instant  death  to  them  ;  but  it  has  to  be  usej 
with  great  caution  and  experience. 


142  HOT-HOUSE — INSECTS,  ETC.  [January 

bouses  about  Philadelphia  within  these  few  years,  and,  if  not 
instantly  destroyed,  increases  rapidly.  It  is  of  a  white  dusty 
colour;  when  broken,  cf  a  brownish  red,  generally  covered 
with  down,  under  which  it  deposits  its  eggs ;  and  they,  in  a 
few  months,  come  forth  in  great  numbers.  The  cocus  gene- 
rally is  of  a  dormant  nature,  but  in  warm  weather  they  may 
be  seen  rapidly  moving  up  the  stems  of  the  plants.  Fumi 
gating  has  no  observable  effect  on  these  insects;  therefore, 
as  soon  as  they  appear,  recourse  must  be  had  to  other  means. 
The  liquid  made  from  the  following  receipt  is  death  to  any 
of  the  Cocus  tribe  :  Take  two  pounds  of  strong  soap,  one 
pound  of  flour  of  sulphur,  one  pound  of  leaf  tobacco,  one 
and  a  half  ounce  of  nux  vomica,  with  a  tablespoonful  of  tur- 
pentine, which  boil  in  four  gallons  of  river  water  to  three; 
then  set  aside  to  cool.  When  boiling,  stir  it  well  with  a 
stick,  continuing  to  do  so  until  it  is  reduced  as  above.  In 
this  liquor  immerse  the  whole  plant,  drawing  it  to  and  fro 
gently,  that  the  liquor  may  penetrate  everywhere.  This 
done,  lay  the  plant  on  its  side,  until  it  begins  to  dry,  then 
syringe  well  with  clean  water,  and  put  it  in  its  respective  sta- 
tion. Where  a  collection  of  plants  is  free  from  any  insects 
of  the  kind,  every  plant  that  is  introduced  ought  to  be  mi- 
nutely scrutinized,  that  the  unclean  may  be  kept  from  the 
clean :  the  above  insects  will  feed  almost  on  any  plant,  but 
indulges  on  Crdsulas,  any  of  the  bristly  Cactus,  Gardenias, 
and  in  fact  whatever  is  in  the  way. 

Cocus ,  or  brown  scaly  insect,  is  frequently  found 

on  many  plants,  but  we  never  could  perceive  that  it  does  any 
other  material  injury  than  soiling  them.  We  have  always 
observed,  that  it  is  found  in  winter  to  abound  in  those  situa- 
tions which  are  most  excluded  from  air;  therefore  is  of  less 
importance  than  the  other  rpecies,  which  eat  and  corrode  the 
leaves  of  tender  plants.  A  washing  with  strong  soapsuds 
will  destroy  them,  or  the  above  liquid  will  do  it  more  effectu- 
ally. Tie  a  piece  of  sponge  on  the  end  of  a  small  stick,  and 
scrub  every  leaf,  stem,  and  crevice.  Fumigating  destroys  the 
larvae  of  this  species. 

Cocus ,    or    small    white    scaly    insect,    whic'^i 

generally  infests  Ci/cas,  Nerium,  Oleas,  and  Acacias,  &c., 
may  be  destroyed  by  washing  as  above  with  a  sponge,  and 
a  strong  decoction  of  tobacco,  using  the  liquid  about  the 
warmth  of  100°.     Being  thus  heated,  it  irritates  the  insect, 


January.']       HOT-HOUSE — OP  CLEANSING,   ETC.  143 

when,  by  easing  itself  from  its  bed,  the  fluid  passes  under  it, 
and  causes  immediate  death.  If  it  is  not  thus  irritated,  it 
adheres  so  closely  to  the  foliage  that  it  will  keep  you  at  de- 
fiance. The  under  or  dark  side  of  the  leaves  is  its  residence  ; 
and  we  have  observed  a  plant  in  a  house  where  there  was  only 
light  on  one  side,  with  the  dark  side  literally  covered,  while 
the  light  side  was  clean.  So  much  for  having  houses  with 
plenty  of  light.  The  efi"ects  of  this  insect  are  of  a  corroding 
nature,  extracting  all  the  juice  from  the  leaf;  and  where  they 
have  got  to  the  extremity,  the  foliage  is  completely  yellow, 
and  of  a  decayed  appearance. 

Cocus ,  or  turtle  insect.  "We  have  never  ob- 
served this  insect  arrive  to  any  extent.  It  is  the  largest  of 
any  known  among  us,  and  very  like  a  turtle  in  miniature. 
On  lifting  it  from  the  wood,  to  which  it  generally  adheres, 
there  appear  to  be  hundreds  of  eggs  under  it,  but  fumigating 
completely  destroys  the  larvae.  In  our  opinion,  this  turtle  in- 
sect is  no  other  than  the  old  female  of  the  brown  scaly  insect, 
which  swells  to  a  large  size  before  depositing  its  eggs.  We 
have  frequently  observed  the  insect  dead  in  this  enlarged 
state,  and  question  if  this  be  not  the  last  stage  of  its  transmi- 
gration. The  male  insect  is  winged,  and  very  active  in  its 
movements. 

Where  bulbous  roots,  such  as  Hyacinths,  Jonquils,  Ixias, 
Lachendllas,  &c.,  are  required  to  be  early  in  flower,  they  may, 
during  this  mouth,  be  put  in  the  front  of  the  hot-house  and 
watered  freely  till  they  bloom,  when  they  may  be  taken  to  the 
green-house  or  parlour. 

Azaleas,  Rhododendron  Roses,  and  some  other  plants,  do 
admirably  to  force ;  and  where  there  is  a  large  stock,  a  few 
should  be  brought  into  early  bloom  with  the  heat  of  this  de- 
partment. 


OF   CLEANSING   PLANTS,    HOUSE,    ETC. 

This  subject  ought  to  be  kept  constantly  in  view.  How- 
ever correctly  everything  else  may  be  executed,  without 
that  adorning  beauty,  cleanliness,  all  will  appear  only  half 
done.  Therefore  let  all  the  dead  leaves  be  picked  off  every 
day,  the  dust  and  other  litter  swept  out  of  the  house,  and, 
when   necessary,  the  house  washed,  which  will  be    at  least 


144  HOT-HOUSE.  \_February, 

once  a  week.  That  the  foliage  of  the  plants  may  always 
appear  fresh^  syringe  them  every  morning,  when  there  is  the 
appearance  of  sun.  At  present,  this  will  in  a  great  measure 
keep  down  the  insects,  and  will  prove  a  bane  to  the  red 
/Spider. 

•Tie  up  neatly  with  stakes  and  threads  of  Russia  mat  all 
the  straggling  growing  plants ;  let  the  stakes  be  proportion- 
ate to  the  plants,  and  never  longer,  except  they  are  climbing 
sorts.  Do  not  tie  the  branches  in  bundles,  but  singly  and 
neatly,  imitating  nature  as  much  as  possible.  If  any  of  the 
plants  are  affected  with  the  Cocus  insect,  let  them  be  cleansed 
according  to  the  plan  already  mentioned,  taking  particular 
care  also  in  washing  the  stakes  to  which  they  had  been  pre- 
viously tied,  and  burning  all  the  old  tyings,  which  contain 
the  larvae  of  the  insect  in  many  instances,  especially  of 
Cocus  liespcridus.  It  is  premised,  when  any  of  these  things 
are  done,  that  they  will  be  well  done,  and  not  half  doing, 
and  always  doing.  Cleanliness,  in  every  respect,  promotes  a 
pure  air,  which  is  congenial  to  vegetation,  and  will,  with  other 
attentions,  always  assume  a  healthful  and  vigorous  appearance 
in  the  house. 


FEBRUARY 

In  the  eai'ly  part  of  this  month,  the  weather  generally  is 
very  cold  and  changeable  in  the  Middle  States,  and  strict 
attention,  with  the  greatest  caution,  will  require  to  be  paid 
to  the  management  of  the  hot-house.  Most  of  the  tropical 
plants  commence  an  active  state  of  vegetation  j  and,  if 
checked  by  temperature  or  otherwise,  they  will  not  recover 
until  midsummer.  The  thermometer  may  be  kept  two  or 
three  degrees  higher  with  fire  heat  than  last  month  :  the  sun 
will  be  more  powerful,  and  this  will,  in  a  great  degree,  in- 
crease the  vigour  of  the  plants.  Air  may  be  admitted  when 
the  thermometer  rises  to  75°  or  80°,  not  allowing  it  to  rise 
higher  than  the  latter.  In  giving  air,  let  it  be  done  by  the 
top  sashes.  It  is  improper  to  give  it  in  any  way  to  cause  a 
current,  for  the  external  air  is  yet  very  cold,  although  the 


Febi-uari/.']         HOT-HOUSE — OF  INSECTS,  ETC.  145 

sun  is  more  powerful.  An  incli  or  two  on  a  few  of  the  sashes, 
as  has  been  previously  observed,  will  be  effectual  in  keeping 
the  temperature  low  enough. 

With  regard  to  firing,  what  was  said  last  month  may  suffice 
for  this.  Always  recollect  that  it  is  more  preferable  to  keep 
out  the  cold  than  to  put  it  out.  It  will  frequently  happen  in 
the  time  of  intense  frost  that  the  weather  is  dull.  In  such 
cases,  fire  in  a  small  degree  is  requisite  all  day. 

Heavy  snows  ought  never  to  be  allowed  to  remain  on  the 
shutters  while  they  are  on  the  house.  If  the  snow  lies  on  the 
sashes  one  day,  the  internal  heat  will  dissolve  some  of  it ; 
night  coming  on,  will  freeze  it  to  the  wood-work,  when  it  will 
become  a  solid  mass,  and  frequently  cannot  be  separated  with- 
.out  much  damage.  If  allowed  to  remain  on  for  two  days,  the 
plants  are  very  much  weakened  and  the  foliage  discoloured. 
Therefoi'e,  let  the  snow  be  cleared  off  instantly,  that  no  incon- 
venience may  take  place. 

It  will  be  observed  that  plants  absorb  more  water  this  month 
than  last.  The  quantity  given  will  require  to  be  increased, 
according  to  the  increase  of  vegetation  and  the  advancement 
of  the  season ;  but  never  give  it  until  the  soil  begins  to  dry, 
and  then  in  such  proportion  as  will  reach  the  bottom  of  the 
pot.  The  best  time  to  water  is  after  the  sun  has  got  on  the 
house  in  the  morning,  observing  all  the  directions  given  in 
January. 


OP  INSECTS,  ETC. 

Perhaps  sufficient  observations  were  given  under  this  head 
last  month ;  but  the  importance  of  keeping  the  disagreeable 
visiters  out  of  the  house  constrains  us  to  make  a  few  more 
remarks.  Man  cannot  be  too  frequently  guarded  against  his 
foes,  more  especially  when  they  are  summoning  all  their  forces, 
and  no  profession  has  more  than  that  of  the  Horticulturist. 
Let  a  strict  examination  be  made  about  the  end  of  the  month 
for  the  red  spider ;  they  will  be  in  operation  some  weeks  before 
their  depredations  are  observed  on  the  foliage.  The  under  side 
of  the  leaf  is  their  resort  in  the  first  instance,  and  on  such 
plants  as  have  been  already  mentioned. 

Observe  daily  the  young  shoots,  in  case  the  green  fly  be- 
13 


146  nOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING   PLANTS.    \_Fcbrmry. 

comes  numerous.  They  give  the  foliage  a  very  disagreeable 
appearance,  and  it  is  too  often  intolerable,  before  their  career 
is  arrested.  It  also  takes  a  stronger  fumigation,  which  has  fre- 
quently to  be  repeated  the  following  day  to  the  same  degree, 
much  to  the  injury  of  many  of  the  plants,  and  adding  to  the 
disagreeableness  of  the  continued  vapour  in  the  house. 


OP  REPOTTING   PLANTS. 

About  the  end  of  the  month,  some  of  the  plants  of  Cur- 
cuma Am6mv.m  Kccmpferia,  Alpina,  Phrynium,  Cdnna, 
Zingiher,  Hedychium,  and  others  that  are  on  the  dry  shelf, 
will  be  offering  to  grow.  Let  them  be  taken  out  of  their  pots, 
some  of  their  weakest  shoots  or  tubers  taken  off,  and  the 
strong  ones  repotted :  give  gentle  waterings  until  they  grow 
freely,  then  give  in  abundance.     (Soil  No.  17.) 

Dioncea  muscipula,  or  Venus's  fly-trap,  grows  best  in  the 
hot-house,  and  will,  about  the  end  of  the  month,  stand  in 
need  of  being  repotted.  This  plant  is  very  seldom  grown  in 
any  degree  of  perfection,  having  been  always  considered  a 
delicate  plant  in  collections.  Take  it  out  of  the  pot  just  be- 
fore beginning  to  grow  afresh,  and  divested  of  all  the  soil, 
leaving  only  a  few  of  the  young  roots  (it  is  a  bulb,  and  will 
receive  no  injury  by  so  doing),  put  it  in  new  soil;  when 
potted,  place  the  pot  in  a  saucer  with  one- inch  of  water  in  it, 
giving  a  fresh  supply  every  other  day ;  this  being  repeated 
every  year,  it  will  grow,  flower,  and  seed  in  perfection.  (Soil 
No.  5.) 

Gesnerias,  if  in  small  pots,  give  larger  as  they  advance  in 
growth.  This  genus  requires  to  have  plenty  of  pot-room  to 
make  them  flower  well.  G.  ohlongata,  G.  Zebrina,  and  G. 
Sellowii  ought  to  have  a  situation  in  every  hot-house.  They 
are  remarkable  for  their  many  brilliant  crimson  flowers,  and 
continue  in  flower  for  a  length  of  time.  When  the  bulbs 
..egin  to  push,  shake  them  out  of  the  earth,  and  repot  them 
knto  smaller  pots ;  and,  as  soon  as  the  roots  reach  the  side  of 
the  earth,  which  will  be  in  about  one  month,  put  them  in 
larger  pots,  and  continue  to  do  so  until  flowering,  which  will 
be  about  the  first  of  June,  observing  always  to  keep  the  ball 
of  earth  entire.  G.  tnbijlora,  G.  magnijica,  G.  lutea,  and 
some  others,  are  all  well  worth  attention.     (Soil  No.  11.) 


February.']        hot-house — of  cleansing,  etc.  147 

Gloridsas  must  be  repotted  in  the  beginning  of  this  month ; 
G.  superba  is  the  most  beautiful  and  curious.  The  crown 
of  the  roots  ought  to  be  jjlanted  one  and  a  half  inch  deep, 
taking  care  not  to  break  them.  Do  not  water  much  until 
they  begin  to  grow.  The  earth  must  not  have  much  water. 
As  the  plants  grow,  they  will  require  a  more  liberal  supply ; 
yet  it  is  necessary,  at  all  times,  to  be  moderate  in  giving  it. 
If  well  treated,  the  superb  flowers  will  appear  in  June  or 
July.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Gloxinias  are  beautiful  herbaceous  plants,  with  large  showy 
flowers,  requiring  soil  and  treatment  similar  to  (Gesneria). 
G.  speciosa,  dark  blue,  G.  speciosa-pdllida,  pale  lilac;  G. 
Candida,  pure  white,  G.  grandijldra,  very  large  light  blue, 
rubra,  red ;  Cerina,  pink  and  white ;  maxima,  lilac  and 
white,  Lennigii,  rose  and  white;  Maria  Van  Houttii,  white, 
scarlet  throat;  Victoria  regina,  pale  blue,  white  throat;  and 
Teuclerii,  rose,  white  and  violet,  are  the  finest,  although  seve- 
ral of  the  other  species  are  very  interesting. 


or   CLEANSING   PLANTS,  HOUSE,  ETC. 

With  regard  to  cleaning  the  plants,  sprinkling  or  syring- 
ing is  at  all  times,  to  a  greater  or  less  degree,  necessary. 
The  plants  will,  in  this  compartment,  be  in  their  first  stage 
of  growth,  and,  if  dust  or  foulness  be  permitted  to  lodge  on 
their  foliage,  the  pores  will  be  obstructed,  the  plants  will  be- 
come unhealthy,  and  the  growth  of  insects  increased. 

Let  all  moss,  litter,  decayed  leaves  or  weeds,  be  cleared 
out  of  the  house,  the  earth  in  the  pots  stirred  up  with  a  round 
pointed  stick,  and  fresh  earth  given  where  required,  that  the 
air  may  operate  therein  freely. 

The  house  ought  always  to  be  sprinkled  before  being 
swept,  to  prevent  the  dust  rising. 

Attend  to  the  bulbous  roots  as  directed  last  month,  such 
as  Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  &c. 


148  HOT-HOUSE — OF  REPOTTING,  ETC.  [^March. 


MARCH. 

If  this  department  has  been  regularly  attended  to,  the 
plants  will  be  in  a  fresh  healthy  state.  Where  there  is  any 
sickly  appearance,  heat  has  been  deficient,  or  insects  of  a  de- 
structive character  are  preying  upon  the  plants.  Too  much 
water  at  the  root  frequently  causes  the  foliage  to  become 
yellow.  Regular  syringing  must  be  continued  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  it  is  highly  necessary  that  the  water  that  is  used 
should  be  of  the  same  temperature  as  the  house ;  and  at  all 
times,  whatever  water  is  given  to  the  roots,  the  same  must 
be  observed.  For  airing,  see  last  month,  observing,  as  the 
season  advances,  to  increase  the  quantity. 

Continue  to  fumigate  when  any  of  the  Green-fly  appears 
(see  January  for  directions),  and  where  there  are  any  of  the 
plants  infected  with  the  white  scaly  insect,  clean  them  as 
there  directed.  If  overlooked  for  a  few  months,  they  will 
be  increased  tenfold.  Very  frequently,  where  there  are  only 
a  few,  they  are  neglected  until  the  plant  is  overrun  with  them, 
and  then  it  may  be  said  it  is  impossible  to  dislodge  them 
entirely.  Clear  oiF  all  decayed  leaves  from  the  plants  which 
will  have  made  fresh  shoots,  for  the  decayed  leaves  very  much 
disfigure  the  whole  collection.  We  would  not  have  repeated 
this  observation  if  it  was  not  an  essential  point,  and  one 
which  is  so  frequently  neglected. 


OF   REPOTTING   PLANTS. 

Many  of  the  young  plants  that  are  growing  freely,  and 
(vhere  they  may  be  desired  to  grow  to  a  large  size,  should  be 
frequently  repotted  to  encourage  their  growth.  Gesna-ia, 
Gloxinia,  and  others  previously  mentioned,  must  have  larger 
pots,  as  they  require  it.  Flowering  bulbs  of  Amaryllis  may 
be  brought  into  the  heat  to  make  them  bloom  early  ;  before 
they  begin  to  grow,  divest  them  of  the  old  soil,  and  put  them 
into  fresh  :  this  is  particularly  necessary,  when  the  bulbs  are 
already  in  large  pots.  By  thus  renewing  the  soil,  the  pots 
can  be  used  much  smaller :  they  require  plenty  of  drainage  in 
the  pot,  and  agree  best  with  soil  No.  12. 


Aprill  HOT-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  149 

Where  plants  of  the  dwarf  Musas  are  intended  to  be  grown 
for  fruiting,  they  must  have  particular  attention  in  repotting 
as  they  grow  ;  about  the  first  of  the  month  will  be  a  proper 
time  to  begin  :  copious  waterings  are  daily  required  when  they 
are  in  a  growing  state.  Their  soil  is  No.  12,  with  one  portion 
more  manure.     For  farther  detail,  see  May. 


APEIL. 


Where  the  hot-house  has  been  properly  conducted,  the 
plants  generally  will  have  a  vigorous  and  healthful  aspect. 
An  error  frequently  arises  in  the  conducting  of  these  depart- 
ments, by  inexperienced  operators,  being  ambitious  of  out- 
stripping their  competitors.  They  keep  the  house  in  a  very 
high  temperature,  and  admit  little  or  no  air.  Where  such  a 
mode  has  been  pursued,  the  plants  will  have  got  over  their 
first  growth,  and  the  foliage  looks  yellow  and  decaying ;  thus 
throwing  the  plants  into  a  state  of  inactivity,  when  nature 
herself  commences  her  most  active  movements.  The  tempera- 
ture should  not  be  under  55°  in  the  night,  nor  much  above 
75°  during  the  day,  without  admitting  a  little  air  by  the  top- 
lights.  It  will  not  do  yet  to  give  air  by  the  front  sashes,  the 
wind  being  cool,  and  a  current  in  the  house  would  be  hurtful. 
The  sun  is  not  so  powerful,  but  the  heat  can  be  kept  down  by 
the  air  given  from  above. 

Hot-house  or  tropical  plants  will  not  materially  suffer  with 
100°  of  sun  heat,  provided  they  are  not  very  near  the  glass  j 
but  such  an  extreme  would  be  injurious  to  practise. 


REPOTTING. 

Where  there  is  a  general  assortment  of  the  Cactae  tribe, 
and  kept  in  this  department,  now  is  the  proper  poriod  to  give 
them  a  general  repotting.  Of  all  the  tropical  floral  produc- 
tions, there  is  not  a  family  more  curious,  grotesque,  interest- 
ing, and  beautiful  than  this;  and,  what  still  more  enhances 
their  real  value,  they  are  in  this  country  of  the  easiest  cul- 
1?* 


150  HOT-HOUSE — OF  REPOTTING,  ETC.  {^May, 

ture ;  it  is  with  pleasure  t^at  we  recommend  a  few  of  the 
grand  and  the  novel,  which  are  faithfully  described  in  the 
general  list  given  next  month.  The  bottom  of  every  pot 
must  be  covered  with  an  inch  of  pot-shreds,  or  rough  gravel 
for  drainage. 


MAY. 


Very  few  directions  for  this  department  remain  to  be  given ; 
except  for  shifting  plants,  aud  a  few  observations  on  those 
that  are  most  desirable  for  the  hot-house;  which  we  will  do  in 
this  month,  considering  May  and  June  the  best  months  of  the 
year  for  that  operation. 

The  days  and  nights  will  be  very  mild  by  this  time,  and 
the  sashes  in  every  favourable  day  should  be  opened,  both  in 
front  and  top,  so  that  the  plants  may  be  inured  to  the  open 
air,  which  they  will  be  exposed  to  by  the  end  of  the  month. 
Leave  in  the  beginning  of  the  month  the  top  sashes  a  little 
open  every  mild  night,  and  gradually,  as  the  heat  increases, 
leave  the  front  sashes  and  doors  open.  Continue  to  syringe 
them  at  least  every  alternate  night,  and,  if  possible,  every 
night ;  and  give  them  all,  according  to  their  respective  wants, 
liberal  supplies  of  water  every  day.  Absorption  among  hot- 
house plants  is  as  great  during  this  month  as  in  any  period  of 
the  year. 


OF  repotting  plants,  etc. 

It  is  our  candid  opinion  that  this  and  next  month  are  the 
best  periods  for  shifting  or  repotting  all  or  most  of  hot-house 
plants ;  the  end  of  August  being  the  time  always  adopted 
around  Philadelphia  for  that  operation  (and  then  they  are 
done  indiscriminately).  We  will  assign  a  few  reasons  for  our 
practice. 

First,  that  it  is  not  congenial  to  the  nature  of  these  plants 
to  have  their  roots  surrounded  with  fresh  soil  when  they  are 
becoming  inactive ;  secondly,  that  there  is  not  a  sufficiency 


May."]  HOT-HOUSE — of  repottinGj  etc.  151 

of  heat  naturally  to  quicken  them  to  an  active  state  when 
they  are  encouraged;  and,  thirdly,  being  thus  in  new  soil 
while  dormant,  they  have  a  yellow  and  sickly  aspect  until 
they  begin  to  grow;  and  the  foliage,  thus  deprived  of  its 
natural  vigour,  will  not  appear  so  healthful  again  :  whereas, 
if  they  are  shifted  or  repotted  in  this  or  next  month,  at 
which  season  they  are  between  two  stages  of  growth,  they 
immediately,  on  receiving  fresh  assistance,  and  by  the  increas-. 
ing  heat  of  the  summer,  make  new  growths,  are  perfectly 
ripened  before  the  approach  of  winter,  and  never  lose  tliat 
vernal  appearance  they  have  attained.  These  are  our  reasons, 
acquired  from  a  close  practice  and  observation,  and  are  not 
influenced  by  the  doings  of  others  which  are  so  much  aside. 
No  practical  operator  especially,  nor,  in  fact,  any  individual, 
ought  to  be  governed  by  custom  in  regard  to  the  treatment 
of  plants,  without  having  any  idea  as  to  why  and  wherefore, 
founded  on  the  principles  of  nature,  and  governed  by  her  un- 
erring results. 

As  many  are  desirous  of  having  a  knowledge  of  plants 
before  they  order  them,  and  likewise  which  are  the  finest 
flowerers  and  their  general  character,  especially  those  who 
are  at  a  great  distance,  and  seldom  have  the  privilege  of 
seeing  what  is  most  desirable,  our  descriptions  will  bo  limit- 
ed, but  still  will  convey  some  accurate  idea  of  the  article 
described. 

Acacias. — Several  of  these  are  desirable  in  the  hot-house 
for  the  grandeur  of  their  foliage,  beauty  of  flower,  and  a  few 
of  them  as  specimens  of  valuable  medicinal  plants.  A. 
Housf6ni,  now  Annesleia  Houstdni,  is  one  of  the  most 
magnificent  of  the  Mimosa  tribe,  blooming  from  August  to 
November  in  large  terminal  spikes  of  a  crimson  colour, 
stamens  very  long  and  beautiful,  leaves  bipinnated  in  pairs. 
A.  grandiflora,  likewise  given  to  Annesleia.,  and  similar  to 
the  former  in  colour,  has  very  large  compound  bipinuate 
leaves,  with  from  twenty  to  forty  pairs.  A.  Catechu,  flowers 
yellow,  wood  spiny,  leayes  bipinnated,  about  ten  pairs.  The 
inner  wood  of  this  tree  is  of  a  brown  colour,  from  which  the 
Catechu  used  in  medicine  is  prepai'ed.  It  is  disputed 
whether  A.  vera  or  A.  ardhica  produces  the  gum  Arabic. 
We  are  inclined  to  think  it  is  the  latter,  which  grows  prin- 
cipally on  the  Atlas  mountains.  The  gum  exudes  spon- 
taneously from  the  bii-vk  of  the  tree  in  a  soft  half  fluid  state 


152  HOT-HOUSE — OP  REPOTTING,  ETC.  [Mat/. 

There  are  many  others  of  this  genus  belonging  to  the  hot- 
house, but  being  shy  in  flowering,  are  not  generally  esteemed. 
Most  of  the  flowers  have  the  appearance  of  yellow  balls  of 
down,  and  are  hermaphrodite.  The  pots  should  all  be  well 
drained.     (Soil  No.  1.)* 

JEschynantlnis,  about  four  species,  among  which  jE.  grandi- 
fiorus,  ^.  Boschianns,  dark  velvet  purple  and  bright  scarlet, 
and  ^.parasiticus  are  very  deserving  of  culture;  they  have 
thick  fleshy  foliage,  are  of  slender  growth,  producing  orange- 
coloured  tubular  flowers  in  clusters,  and  require  treatment 
similar  to  the  wax-plant.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Ardisias,  about  eighteen  species.  Plants  highly  esteemed 
for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage,  flowers,  and  berries.  The 
most  popular  in  our  collections  is  A.  creniddta.  It  has  rose- 
coloured  star-like  flowers,  in  terminal  panicles,  and  produces 
beautiful  small  red  berries,  which  continue  until  other  ber- 
ries are  produced  the  following  year )  and  frequently  there 
may  be  seen  on  one  plant  the  berries  of  three  successive 
years,  thus  being  a  very  ornamental  plant  and  very  desira- 
ble. It  is  vulgarly  called  the  dwarf  ever-bearing  cherry.  It 
will  keep  in  a  good  green-house,  but  not  grow  freely.  A.  so- 
landcea  has  large  oblong  leaves,  narrowed  at  each  end,  and 
bears  purple  berries;  A.  eJegans  has  entire,  oblong,  shining 
leaves;  A.  umbellata,  once  A.  littordlis,  is  also  a  fine  plant 
for  an  abundance  of  flower  and  beauty  of  foliage.  The 
flowers  are  pink,  in  large  decompound  panicles. 

Allamanda,  a  family  of  half  climbing  plants,  with  large 
chrome-yellow  blossoms,  requiring  plenty  of  pot-room  and 
good  culture  to  flower  well.  A.  cathdrtica,  A.  neriifolia,  and 
A.  schottli,  we  consider  the  finest.     (Use  soil  No.  13.) 

Aphalandra  cristata,  a  new  plant  with  a  brilliant  spike  of 
flowers  about  six  inches  long  crowning  the  plant.  (Use  soil 
No.  9.) 

Areca,  Cabbage-tree,  ten  species.  They  are  a  kind  of 
palms,  with  large  pinnated  leaves,  or  properly  fronds.  In 
their  indigenous  state  they  are  from  six  to  forty  feet  high, 
but  in  the  hot-house  they  seldom  exceed  twenty  feet.  A. 
catechu  is  used  in  medicine.  A.  olerdcea  is  cultivated  exten- 
sively in  the  "West  Indies,  and  the  tender  part  of  the  top 

*  These  numbers  refer  to  the  table  of  soils  at  the  end  of  tb« 
work. 


Ma^.']  HOT-HOUSE — or  repotting,  etc.  153 

is  eaten  by  the  natives.  A.  montand  is  most  frequent  in 
collections  There  is  no  particular  beauty  in  the  flowers. 
They  are  all  easily  grown,  if  plenty  of  heat  be  given.  (Soil 
No.  12.) 

Aristoldchias,  Birth-wort.  There  are  several  of  these  be- 
longing to  the  hot-house,  but  none  of  them  deserving  par- 
ticuhir  observation,  except  A.  lahibsa,  A.  gigas,  and  A.  bra- 
sinensis.  The  leaves  are  reniform,  roundish,  cordate,  and 
amplexicaule;  the  flower  or  corolla  is  of  a  curious  construc- 
tion, being  incurved,  and  at  the  base  swelled  or  saccate,  with 
a  large  lip,  and  all  beautifully  spotted ;  colour  greenish  brown. 
They  are  climbing  plants,  and  require  a  strong  heat.  (Soil 
No.  9.) 

Astrapcras,  three  species.  A.  Wallichii  is  a  celebrated 
plant  in  Europe,  and  is  frequently  met  with  in  our  collec- 
tions. It  has  a  profusion  of  scarlet  umbellated  flowers,  with 
an  involucre ;  has  twenty-five  stamens  united  into  a  tube, 
bearing  the  corolla  with  five  petals ;  leaves  roundish,  cordate, 
acuminate,  very  large,  with  persistent,  ovate  wavy  stipules. 
The  plant  is  of  easy  culture,  and  grows  freely,  wood  very 
strong.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Bamhiisas,  Bamboo-cane,  two  species.  Plants  of  very 
strong  growth,  and  are  used  in  the  East  Indies,  where  they 
are  indigenous,  for  every  purpose  in  the  construction  of  huts, 
for  furniture  both  domestic  and  rural,  for  fences,  boats,  boxes, 
paper,  &c.  It  is  frequently  used  as  pipes  to  convey  water. 
The  species  thus  useful  is  B.  arundindcea,  which  grows  tc 
a  great  height.  We  do  not  mention  it  as  interesting  in 
beauty,  but  as  a  valuable  plant  for  the  many  useful  purposes 
to  which  it  is  applied.  It  requires  to  be  kept  wet.  (Soil 
No.  15.) 

Banisterias,  a  genus  of  about  fourteen  climbing  evergreen 
plants.  Three  of  them  are  esteemed,  B.  fulgcns,  yellow 
flowers  in  racemose  spikes,  leaves  subovate  and  downy  be- 
neath. B.  chrisoplii/Ua  has  beautiful  foliage,  as  if  covered 
with  a  shining  gold-coloured  dust ;  leaves  large,  oblong,  acute. 
B.  splendens,  flowers  in  spikes  of  a  yellow  colour ;  folingo 
large  and  silvery-like  ;  the  pots  should  be  well  drained.  (Soil 
No.  9.) 

Beaumont ias  are  strong-growing,  climlmg  plants,  with 
large  foliage.  B.  grandijibra  is  said  to  have  beautiful  large 
white  flowers  approaching  the  Oleander.     (Soil  No.  12.) 


154  HOT-HOUSE — OP  REPOTTING,   ETC.  [May. 

BUtias,  a  genus  of  about  eight  species,  all  beautiful  flow- 
ering plants.  B.  Tankervillia:  is  most  superb,  a  small  plant, 
now  (Jan),  in  bloom,  has  upward  of  fifty  full-blown  flowers, 
besides  many  buds — they  are  brown,  white,  and  purple,  and 
about  two  inches  in  diameter.  When  out  of  flower,  and  the 
roots  become  dormant,  place  the  pots  in  a  shady  situation ; 
allow  the  soil  to  become  dry,  until  the  roots  begin  to  grow  : 
as  soon  as  this  is  observed,  repot  the  plants  and  expose  them 
fully  to  the  sun,  giving  plenty  of  water  while  growing.  B. 
Shqyherdii  is  a  fine  pink,  and  requires  similar  treatment. 
(Soil  No.  13.) 

Bignoniaj  a  very  beautiful  family  of  climbing  plants,  some 
of  them  gorgeously  covered  with  bloom  half  of  the  year.  B. 
venustd  has  large  clusters  of  bright  orange-coloured  flowers  in 
great  profusion  from  December  to  May.  B.  picta,  violet  and 
lilac-coloured  striped  flowers.  B.  chamberlyana,  yellow 
flowers  with  rich  foliage. 

They  should  be  planted  into  large  pots  or  tubs,  or  if  prac- 
ticable, into  the  ground,  in  the  interior  of  the  house,  giving 
them  plenty  of  space  to  climb,  using  soil  No.  9. 

Brun/elsias,  very  fine,  free-flowering  plants,  with  white, 
yellowish,  or  purple  flowers.  B.  grandijibra  blooms  freely, 
and  is  finely  scented — a  plant  before  me  now  (28th  of  Jan), 
only  one  foot  high,  has  sis  full  expanded  flowers  upon  it,  each 
fully  two  inches  in  diameter.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Buonapdrtea  Juncea,  a  very  curious  low-growing  plant, 
with  long  narrow,  recurved,  round  leaves;  with  spikes  of 
small  green  flowers.  There  does  appear  to  be  three  distinct 
varieties  in  cultivation,  but  are  rarely  attainable.  (Soil  No. 
12.)^ 

Btiddha  madagascariensis  blooms  profusely  during  winter 
in  spikes  of  orange-coloured  flowers,  of  a  kind  of  honey  fra- 
grance— the  plant  is  strong-growing,  and  of  the  easiest  culture. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Calatliea  zebrhia,  frequently  known  as  mardnia  zehrhia ; 
it  is  a  plant  unique  in  appearance,  having  large  elongated 
ovate  leaves,  beautifully  striped  with  green  and  dark  pur- 
ple, and  called  the  Zehra  plant.  It  has  light  blue  flowers 
in  ovate  spikes,  about  the  size  of  large  pine  cones.  It  is 
an  herbaceous  plant;  but  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  hot- 
house retains  its   splendid  foliage ;    requires   a  very  liberal 


May.']  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,  ETC.  155 

Bupply  of  watei*,  and  ought  to  be  in  every  collection.     (Soil 
No.  11.) 

Cdnnas,  about  thirty  species,  several  of  them  deserving 
cultivation  both  for  flower  and  foliage;  they  are  principally 
natives  of  the  West  Indies.  The  finest  are  C.  gigdntca,  has 
large  leaves  and  orange  flowers;  G.  limbdia,  flowers  scarlet 
and  yellow ;  C.  discolor,  has  large  cordate,  acuminate  leaves 
of  a  crimson  colour,  C.  iridljlbra,  has  large  crimson  flowers. 
They  all,  while  in  a  growing  state,  require  a  liberal  supply  of 
water ;  and  being  herbaceous  plants,  watering  ought  to  be 
given  up  about  the  first  of  November,  and  renewed  in  Febru- 
ary, thus  giving  them  a  cessation  which  they  require  to  flower 
freely ;  but  when  water  is  constantly  given,  which  is  the  gene- 
ral plan  in  our  collections,  they  continue  to  push  weak  shoots 
and  few  flowers.  They  also  do  very  well  by  planting  them  as 
ornamental  plants  in  the  garden  during  summer,  where  they 
bloom  profusely,  and  their  large  roots  can  be  placed  in  the  cel- 
lar all  winter,  where  they  will  be  free  from  frost.     (Soil  No. 

Cactus. — This  extensive  genus  is  interesting,  and  varied 
in  character  and  habit ;  it  is  now  divided  into  seven  distinct 
genera,  accoi'ding  to  their  natural  appearance  and  disposition. 
We  will  describe  a  few  of  each  genus,  none  of  which  going 
under  the  name  of  Ccictus,  we  will  give  them  the  six  follow- 
ing, premising  that  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when  this 
family  will  be  successfully  cultivated  in  every  parlour-window, 
and  the  whole  tribe  will  be  sought  for  with  more  avidity  than 
any  other  class  of  plants  that  have  ever  been  brought  to 
notice,  not  even  excepting  the  Rose.  They  require  a  dry 
heat,  and  will  grow  either  in  town  or  country,  and  are  com- 
pletely adapted  for  the  denizen  amateur,  and  will  afi"oi'd  more 
beauty  and  interesting  display  than  can  be  imagined  until 
witnessed. 

Mamilldrias,  about  seventy  species,  and  are  those  which 
are  covered  with  roundish  bearded  tubercles,  and  with  small 
red  n.nd  white  flowers.  M.  coccinea,  M.  simplex,  31.  piislUa, 
M.  cdnica,  M.  stellata,  and  M.  acanthbpMegma,  are  good 
species,  and  will  do  well  with  water  once  a  week  during  sum- 
mer. •  (Soil  No.  15.) 

Melocdctus,  seven  species,  and  are  those  that  are  roundish 
with  deep  and  many  angles,  with  spines  in  clusters  on  t.He 
top  of  the  angle.     31.  communis  is  the  Turk's  cap,  named 


156  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOrXINO,   ETC.  [^1/ay. 

from  having  an  ovate  conate  crown  upon  the  top,  from  which 
proceed  the  small  red  flowers.  31.  macrdnthiis  has  large 
spines  j  3f.  pi/ramiddlis  is  a  conical  growing  species.  These 
require  the  same  treatment  as  the  last.     (Soil  No.  15.) 

EcMnocdctm,  a  great  number  of  species ;  are  those  that 
have  many  deep  angles,  and  have  a  remarkable  swelling  with 
each  parcel  of  spines ;  E.  gihhdsus,  E.  crispdtus,  E.  recurvus, 
E.  roddnthia,  and  E.  scopa,  are  curious  in  appearance,  with 
small  white  and  purple  flowers.  These  three  genera  in  most 
collections  are  not  well  known  specifically,  but  it  is  easy  to 
discriminate  with  which  genus  they  are  connected.  (Soil 
No.  15.) 

Cereus. — This  is  the  most  magnificent  genus  with  regard 
to  the  magnitude  and  beauty  of  the  flowers,  but  not  so 
closely  allied  in  character.  It  takes  in  all  those  of  a  trail- 
ing or  erect  growing  habit,  having  spines  in  clusters,  solitary, 
or  spineless.  C  senMis  is  the  celebrated  monkey  cactus.  0. 
peruvidnus  and  C.  heptagbnus  grow  very  erect,  and  to  the 
height  of  thirty  or  forty  feet  in  Peru  and  Mexico,  where 
they  plant  them  close  together  as  fences,  and  they  are  in  a 
few  years  impenetrable.  G.  jlagellifdrmis  is  a  well-known 
creeping  flowering  species,  has  ten  angles ;  will  keep  in  a  good 
green-house,  and  produce  in  May  and  June  a  great  number 
of  blooms.  The  petals  are  of  a  fine  pink  and  red  colour;  the 
tube  of  the  flower  is  long,  and  will  stand  a  few  days  in  per- 
fection, when  others  come  out  successively  for  the  space  of 
two  months,  and  during  their  continuance  make  a  brilliant 
appearance.  C.  grandljlbrus  is  the  celebrated  ''  Night- 
blooming  Cereus."  The  flowers  are  very  large,  beautiful 
and  sweet-scented.  They  begin  to  open  about  sundowi^,  and 
are  fully  expanded  about  eleven  o'clock.  The  corolla,  or 
rather  calyx,  is  from  seven  to  ten  inches  in  diameter,  the 
outside  of  which  is  a  brown,  and  the  inside  a  fine  straw  yel- 
low colour;  the  petals  are  of  the  purest  white,  with  the  stamens 
surrounding  the  stile  in  the  centre  of  the  flower,  which  add 
to  its  lustre,  and  make  it  appear  like  a  bright  star.  Its  scent 
is  agreeable,  and  perfumes  the  air  to  a  considerable  distance ; 
but  these  beauties  are  of  momentary  duration.  By  sunrise 
tbey  fade,  and  hang  down  quite  decayed,  and  never  open 
again.*     One  of  these  ought  to  be  in  every  collection,  and, 

*  They  may  be  preserved  if  cut  off  when  in  perfection,  and  put  io 


May.^  HOT-HOUSE — of  repotting,  etc.  157 

if  trained  up  a  naked  wall,  will  not  occupy  much  room,  and 
grow  and  flower  profusely.  C.  Ildllisoni  and  C.  Scottii  are 
nearly  alike,  and  have  beautiful  scarlet  flowers  :  it  has  been 
gratuitously  (to  say  the  least  of  it)  called  "The  Scarlet  Night- 
blooming  Cereus."  C.  speciostssimns  has  most  beautiful 
large  flowers,  about  six  inches  in  diameter ;  the  outside  petals 
are  a  bright  scarlet,  those  of  the  inside  a  fine  light  purple. 
One  flower  lasts  a  few  days,  and  a  large  plant  will  produce 
every  year  from  ten  to  fifty  flowers,  and  blooming  from  May 
to  August.  C.  Maynardii  has  very  large  orange-scarlet 
flowers,  about  nine  inches  in  diameter,  blooming  during  the 
day.  C  Fieldcrii  is  of  a  brilliant  bluish  violet  colour,  even 
more  of  the  peculiarly  blue  tints  so  greatly  admired  in  spe- 
ciosissirmis.  C.  triangiddris  has  the  largest  flower  of  the 
Cactece  family ;  the  bloom  is  of  a  cream  colour,  and  about  one 
foot  in  diameter.  In  its  indigenous  state  it  produces  a  fine 
fruit  called  "  Strawberry  Pear,"  and  is  much  esteemed  in  the 
West  Indies  as  being  slightly  acid,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
sweet,  pleasant,  and  cooling. 

Epipliyllums  are  those  species  of  the  Cactege  family  which 
have  flat  shoots,  or  leaves  without  spines;  from  the  edges 
of  those  leaves  the  flowers  are  produced.  They  are  exten- 
sively cultivated  for  their  profusion  of  bloom,  and  are  fre- 
quently grafted  on  Cereus  triangularis  and  Per'eskia,  which 
greatly  promotes  their  growth,  and  prevents  them  from  so 
easily  damping  off'  by  over-watering.  The  original  species 
are  E.  specibsum,  pink;  E.  pliylantlioides  or  Hooker ii,  white '^ 
E.  aldtam,  white;  E.  truncdtuni,  scarlet;  flowers  tubular, 
from  two  to  three  inches  in  diameter.  The  plant  is  of  a  very 
dwarf  growth,  and  much  branched ;  when  in  bloom,  it  is 
quite  a  picture,  and  rendered  more  beautiful  when  grafted. 
There  are  three  varieties  of  truncdtuni,  differing  from  it  in 
colour,  or  rather  shades  of  colour  :  Altensteinii,  rosy  red ; 
violacea,  very  beautiful  violet  and  white;  ruhens,  bright  red. 
E.  Ackerniania  has  a  magnificent  large  crimson  flower.  Be- 
sides these,  there  are  many  superb  hybrid  varieties,  vying 
with  any  of  the  originals.  Among  them  are  the  following  : 
E.  crinitum,  pale  yellow  crimson  quite  new,  of  fine  habit; 

spirits  of  wine,  in  a  glass  va.se,  made  air  tight.  A  plant  flowered  in 
our  collection  in  May,  1880.  at  12  o'clock  at  noon — the  only  instance 
of  the  kind  we  ever  heard  of. 

14 


158  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,   ETC.  [^May. 

E.  fulgens,  large  violet  crimson  firmly  formed  flowers,  very 
desirable;  E.  Grahamii,  very  distinct,  of  a  brilliant  rose 
colour ;  E.  specibsa  major,  large  delicate  rose.  E.  Hihhertii. 
E.  Hobdii,  E.  Boydii,  E.  Devduxii,  E.  qniUardittii,  E. 
Eeastii,  E.  Vdndesil,  E.  Mayfly,  E.  elcgantissima,  and  E. 
Naiperii,  and  no  doubt  many  other  varieties  and  subva- 
rieties,  will  be  continually  making  their  appearance.  All 
the  Epiphyllum  tribe  require  a  very  rich  open  soil,  not  of  too 
sandy  a  nature,  as  they  thereby  grow  to  wood,  and  bloom  but 
sparingly — give  plenty  of  drainage.     (Soil  No.  18.) 

Opuntias,  upwards  of  fifty  species,  and  are  -those  whose 
branches  are  in  thick  joints,  flat,  oblong,  or  ovate;  spines 
solitary  or  in  clusters.  Some  of  the  plants  are  vei-y  desirable 
for  their  singular  appearance,  and  some  of  them,  particularly 
0.  cochiniUifera,  are  valuable  for  feeding  the  Cochineal 
insect.  0.  microddsys,  0.  ferdx,  0.  lacte-spina,  0.  sericed, 
and  some  others,  are  beautiful  plants,  and  will  grow  in  any 
kind  of  soil,  but  No.  2  will  suit  them  best. 

Pereskias. — About  four  species,  and  those  that  are  of  a 
shrubby  nature,  producing  leaves :  P.  acidcdta  bears  a  fruit 
called,  ''  Barbadoes  gooseberry."  The  flowers  are  very  small 
and  simple,  spines  about  half  an  inch  long,  leaves  fleshy  and 
elliptical.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

The  whole  of  the  plants  in  the  family  of  Cacteo".  require 
very  little  water  in  winter,  and  delight  in  a  dry,  warm  situa- 
tion. They  do  not  agree  with  very  frequent  repotting;  once 
a  year  to  young  plants,  and  in  two  or  three  to  those  that  are 
established,  with  the  exception  of  the  large,  free-flowering 
species,  which  should  be  repotted  once  in  two  years,  and  never 
be  allowed  to  shrink  for  want  of  moisture. 

The  operation  of  grafting  is  very  simple,  merely  requir- 
ing an  incision  to  be  made,  and  fitting  in  it  a  fresh  cutting 
of  another  kind,  holding  the  cutting  stationary  in  the  inci- 
sion half  a  minute,  till  the  juices  of  the  two  adhere  together, 
when  it  may  be  said  the  union  is  effected,  and,  in  a  few 
weeks,  the  new  branches  will  grow  freely.  We  have  seen 
the  31ammillaria  tribe  growing  neatly  upon  the  triangularis, 
and  other  species  of  the  cereus. 

Ceropegia  elegdnf;  is  the  only  species  of  any  merit;  it  is  a 
thin-growing  climbing  plant,  producing  a  great  profusion  of 
very  curious  flowers  of  a  greenish  colour,  spotted  with  brown  ; 


May.']  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,    ETC.  159 

the  interior  and  tips  of  the  corolla  are  set  with  hairs — it  is  of 
very  easy  culture.     (Soil  No.  7.) 

Caryopliyllus  aromdticus  is  the  clove  tree  of  commerce. 
The  whole  plant  is  aromatic,  and  closely  allied  to  3Iyrtns ;  the 
flowers  are  in  loose  panicles,  the  leaves  oblong,  acuminate, 
entire.  It  is  a  fine  evergreen.  Pots  must  be  well  drained. 
(Soil  No.  9.) 

Gentradenia.  Unique  plants,  with  reddish  purple  foliage, 
they  produce  a  profusion  of  delicate  pink  flowers;  G.  rosea 
and  C.  florahtinda  are  the  most  esteemed ;  they  are  of 
dwarf  habit  and  of  the  easiest  culture.     (Use  Soil  No.  2.) 

Gerheras. — About  twelve  species  of  strong-growing  trees, 
full  of  poisonous  juice.  G.  thevetia  is  an  elegant  plant, 
with  acuminate  leaves,  and  large,  nodding,  yellow,  solitary, 
fragrant  flowers,  proceeding  from  the  axil;  G.  ahoiiai,  pro- 
duces a  nut  which  is  deadly  poison.  G.  odCdlam,  once  G. 
mdnglias,  has  large  star-like  flowers,  white,  shaded  with  red. 
They  are  principally  East  India  plants,  and  require  great  heat. 
(Soil  No.  17.) 

Glerodindrum. — This  genus  contains  some  very  beautiful 
and  fragrant  plants.  G.  frdgrans  jiore  pleno  has  a  very 
beautiful  head  of  double  white  sweet-scented  flowers,  and 
does  very  well  as  a  green-house  plant.  G.  squamdtum  has 
very  showy  scarlet  flowers.  G.  speciosissinium,  the  plant  so 
glaringly  figured  in  some  of  the  English  periodicals,  is  the 
same  as  G.  squamdtum,  a  plant  which  has  been  grown  in  this 
vicinity  fifteen  or  twenty  years.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Gojfia  Ardhica. — It  produces  the  celebrated  coff'ee,  and  is 
a  plant  universally  known  in  our  collections,  and  of  easy  cul- 
ture. The  leaves  are  opposite,  oblong,  wavy  and  shining,  the 
flowers  white,  of  a  grateful  odour,  but  of  short  duration. 
(Soil  No.  17.) 

Gomhretums. — Nine  species  of  beautiful  flowering  climb- 
ing plants,  standing  in  very  high  estimation.  The  leaves 
of  the  principal  part  of  them  are  ovate,  acute,  flowers  small, 
but  on  large  branches,  the  flowers  all  coming  out  on  one 
side  of  the  branch.  They  have  a  magnificent  efi"ect.  G. 
elegans,  vqA)  G.  formdsvm,  red  and  yellow;  G.  pulchellum, 
scarlet;  G.  comusum,\x^\^  crimson  flowers  in  tufts ;  G.  jmr- 
pilreum  is  the  most  splendid  of  the  genus.  It  was  first 
cultivated  in  1818,  and  so  much  admired  that  the  whole  of 
the  species,  as  soon  as  introduced,  was  extravagantly  bought 


160  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,    ETC.  \_Ma/i. 

up;  and  none  of  them  has  retained  their  character,  except 
G.  inirpureum,  which  is  now  called  Poivrra  coccinca.  The 
flowers  are  bright  scarlet,  in  large  branches,  blooming  pro- 
fusely from  April  to  September,  and  flower  best  in  a  pot. 
When  planted  in  the  ground,  it  grows  too  much  to  wood, 
carrying  a  few  flowers.  This  plant  ought  to  be  in  every  hot- 
house.    (Soil  No.  13.) 

Coryphas  (Large  fan  Palm),  five  species  of  the  most 
noble  and  magnificent  of  palms.  G.  amhracuUfera,  the 
fronds  or  leaves  are  palmate.  In  Ceylon,  where  the  tree  is 
indigenous,  they  are  frequently  found  fifteen  feet  wide  and 
twenty  feet  long.  Knox  says  they  will  cover  from  fifteen 
to  twenty  men,  and,  when  dried,  will  fold  up  in  the  shape 
of  a  rod,  and  can  be  easily  carried  about,  and  serve  to  protect 
them  from  the  scorching  sun.  C.  tallera,  now  Tallera 
BengaUnsis,  being  stronger,  is  of  great  utility  for  covering 
houses.  They  do  not  grow  to  such  immense  extent  in  arti- 
ficial cultivation,  but  require  large  houses  to  grow  them. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

Grinums,  about  one  hundred  species,  chiefly  stove  bulbs, 
many  of  them  beautiful.  Those  that  are  of  great  celebrity 
are  G.  erubescens,  pink ;  G.  scdhrum,  crimson  and  white ; 
G.  amdbile,  purple  and  white ;  the  neck  of  the  bulb  of  the 
latter  is  long,  is  easily  distinguished  by  its  purplish  colour, 
and  is  unquestionably  the  finest  of  the  genus.  Several 
specimens  of  it  are  in  our  collections.  Their  flowers  are  in 
umbels,  on  a  stalk  about  three  feet  high ;  corolla  funnel- 
shaped;  petals  recurved;  nearly  fifty  flowers  on  each  stem, 
and  a  good  plant  will  produce  three  stems  in  one  year. 
They  require  large  pots  to  make  them  flower  well,  and, 
when  growing,  should  be  liberally  supplied  with  water. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

Grotons. — About  twenty-eight  species,  few  of  them  de- 
serving cultivation ;  but  the  genus  is  celebrated  for  its 
beautiful  G.  pictus,  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  variegated  with 
yellow,  and  stained  with  red,  flowers  small  green,  or  axillary 
spikes.  G.  variegdtus,  variety  latifblia,  is  finer  than  the 
original  variegdtus ;  the  nerves  in  the  leaves  are  yellow,  and 
the  leaves  lanceolate,  entire,  and  smooth.  To  make  them 
grow  freely,  give  them  the  warmest  part  of  the  hot-house, 
and  drain  the  pots  well.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Gycas,  four  species,  generally  called   Sago  palm,  as   an 


M.ay.'\  HOTHOUSE — OE   REPOTTING,  ETC.  161 

Encflish  name.  The  plant  from  which  Sago  is  extracted, 
belongs  to  another  genus,  (see  Sagus.)  '  C.  revoliita  is  a 
•well-known  palm,  and  will  keep  perfectly  well  in  the  green- 
house. We  have  seen  a  beautiful  specimen  of  it  which  is 
kept  every  winter  in  the  cellar ;  but  those  that  are  kept  so 
cool  in  winter  only  grow  every  alternate  year,  while  those 
that  are  kept  in  the  hot-house  grow  every  year,  which  shows 
that  heat  is  their  element.  C.  circindlis  is  a  large-growing 
species;  the  fronds  are  much  longer,  but  not' so  close  and 
thick.  C.  glatica  is  a  fine  species :  the  foliage  is  sfightly 
glaucous.  They  require  plenty  of  pot-room,  are  much  in- 
fested with  the  small  white  scaly  insect,  and  ought  to  be  fre- 
quently examined  and  carefully  washed  as  prescribed  in 
January.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Cypripedium  insigne  is  a  very  beautiful  nepal  species  of 
this  curious  Ladies  Slipper  plant.  The  flowers  have  a  waxy 
appearance,  and  very  much  in  the  shape  of  an  Indian  shoe ; 
the  colours  are  green  and  purple ;  it  likes  a  moist,  half- 
shaded  situation.     (Soil  No.  l6.) 

Cyrtanihera,  a  genus  closely  related  to  Justicia.  C.  mag- 
nifica  has  foliage  of  a  reddish  purple  colour,  with  heads  of 
flesh-coloured  flowers  blooming  from  August  to  December,  of 
very  easy  culture.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Cyrtoceras  re/lexus,  or  Hoya  coriacea,  a  new  dwarf  wax- 
plant  of  magnificent  appearance,  either  for  foliage  or  bloom, 
which  it  produces  in  great  profusion  from  the  axils  of  almost 
every  leaf;  it  is  a  native  of  Manilla;  it  grows  freely  in  Soil 
No.  13. 

Draccenas,  Dragon-tree,  about  twelve  species  of  Asiatic 
plants  varied  in  character.  D.  F6rrea  is  plentiful  in  our 
collections,  and  will  keep  in  the  green-house ;  but  the  foliage 
is  not  so  well  retained  as  when  kept  in  the  hot-house ;  the 
leaves  are  lanceolate,  acute,  of  a  dark  crimson  colour.  D. 
termindlis,  striped-leaved ;  D.  frdgrans,  when  in  bloom, 
will  scent  the  air  for  a  considerable  distance,  leaves  green  and 
lanceolate.  D.  margindta  is  rare,  yet  it  is  to  be  seen  in  a 
few  of  our  collections.  D.  stricta  is  now  Charhcoodia'^ 
stricta,  flowers  blush,  and  in  loose  panicles.  D.  Draco  is  ad- 
mired, and  the  most  conspicuous  of  the  genus.      (Soil  No.  11.) 

*  In  honour  of  Mr.  Charlwood,  an  extensive  seedsman  of  London, 
who  has  made  several  botanical  excursions  on  this  continent. 
14* 


"-162  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,  ETC.  i^cy 

Erdnthemums,  about  ten  species.  E.  indcliilhim  and  E. 
hlcolor  are  the  finest  of  the  genus ;  the  former  is  in  our  col- 
lections. Plenty  of  heat  is  indispensable  to  make  it  flower 
in  perfection ;  therefore  it  should  have  the  warmest  part  of 
the  house,  and  it  will  produce  flowers  of  a  fine  blue  colour 
from  December  to  April.  The  flowers  of  the  latter  are  white 
and  dark  purple,  with  a  few  brown  spots  in  the  white  :  blooms 
from  April  to  August.  Drain  the  pots  well,  and  give  the 
plants  little  sun  during  summer.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Eugenias,  about  thirty  species,  esteemed  for  their  hand- 
some evergreen  foliage.  This  genus  once  contained  a  few 
celebrated  species,  which  have  been  divided.  (See  Jam- 
bosa.^  The  Allspice  tree,  known  as  Myrtus  Pimento ,  is 
now  E.  Pimenta;  the  leaves  are  ovate,  lanceolate,  and,  when 
broken,  have  an  agreeable  scent.  There  are  several  varie- 
ties, all  of  the  same  spicy  fragrance.  The  plant  is  in  very 
few  of  our  collections.  E.  frdgrans  is  sweet-scented ;  the 
flowers  are  on  axillary  peduncles ;  leaves  ovate,  obtuse. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Euphorbia  (spurge),  a  genus  of  plants  disseminated  over 
every  quarter  of  the  globe ;  a  few  are  beautiful,  many  gro- 
tesque, and  several  of  the  most  worthless  M'eeds  on  the  earth. 
There  are  about  two  hundred  species,  and  from  all  of  them, 
when  probed,  a  thick  milky  fluid  exudes.  Those  of  the 
tropics  are  the  most  curious,  and  very  similar  in  appearance 
to  Cactus,  but  easily  detected  by  the  above  perforation. 
There  is  a  magnificent  species  in  our  collections,  which  was 
lately  introduced  from  Mexico — (see  Poinsett ia).  E.  splen- 
dens  flowers  freely  from  December  to  May,  and  is  of  easy 
culture.  E.  fulgens,  same  as  jaqninii flora,  is  a  plant  of  a 
slender  willow-looking  habit,  but  produces  a  profusion  of 
flowers  from  the  axil  of  each  leaf,  which  renders  it  very 
showy.  The  flowers  of  the  whole  genus  are  apetalous,  and 
the  beauty  of  those  described  is  in  a  brilliant  scarlet  bractea, 
which  is  very  persistent.  They  must  have  plenty  of  pot- 
room.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Erythrinas  (Coral  tree),  a  genus  containing  about  thirty 
species  of  leguminose,  scarlet-flowering  plants.  Several 
species  are  greatly  esteemed  for  their  beauty  and  profusion 
of  flowers,  which,  in  well-established  plants,  are  produced 
in  long  spikes.  E.  corallodendrum  blooms  magnificently 
in  the  West  Indies,  but  in  our  collections  has  never  flowered. 


May.']  HOT-HOUSE — OP  REPOTTING,  ETC.  163 

Perhaps  if  it  were  kept  dry  during  its  dormant  season,  •which 
is  from  November  to  January,  and  when  growing  greatly 
encouraged,  it  might  produce  flowers.  E.  apecibsa  is  a  splen- 
did flower,  leaves  large,  ternated,  and  prickly  beneath ;  stem 
prickly.  E.  pnhescens  is  valued  for  its  large,  peculiar  brown 
pubescent  leaves.  E.princeps  is  quite  a  new  species,  and  is 
represented  as  being  the  finest  of  all  the  Erythrinas,  and 
exhibits  its  rioh  crimson  flowers  in  great  profusion;  to  make 
them  grow  well  and  bloom  freely,  they  require  plenty  of  pot- 
room  J  indeed,  while  in  a  growing  state,  they  should  be  re- 
potted every  month.  In  regard  to  E.  herbdcea,  which  is  a 
native  of  the  Carolinas,  and  frequently  treated  as  a  hot-house 
plant,  it  is  our  opinion  that  it  would  be  more  perfectly  grown 
if  planted  about  the  first  of  the  month  in  the  garden  ;  and, 
wheu  growing,  if  well  supplied  with  water,  it  would  flower 
from  July  to  September.  About  the  first  of  November  lift  . 
the  roots  and  preserve  them  in  half  dry  earth.  E.  hinrifdlia 
and  E.  cristagdlli  are  likewise  often  treated  as  hot-house 
plants,  and  in  such  situations  they  cast  prematurely  their  first 
flowers  by  the  confined  state  of  the  air.  They  will  keep  in 
perfect  preservation  during  winter  in  a  dry  cellar,  half  covered 
with  earth,  or  entirely  covered  with  half  dry  earth ;  conse- 
quently, the  best  and  easiest  method  of  treatment  is  to  plant 
them  in  the  garden  about  the  first  of  May,  and,  when  grow- 
ing, if  the  ground  becomes  dry,  give  them  frequent  waterings. 
They  will  flower  profusely  three  or  four  times  in  the  course  of 
the  summer. 

We  freely  recommend  the  last  species  to  all  our  patrons, 
confident  that  it  will  give  ample  satisfaction,  both  in  profusion 
of  flower  and  beauty  of  colour.  The  soil  they  are  to  be 
planted  into  should  be  rich  and  well  pulverized ;  or,  if  they 
are  kept  in  pots,  they  must  be  enlarged  three  or  four  times, 
when  they  are  in  a  growing  state,  to  make  them  flower  per- 
fectly; otherwise  they  will  be  diminutive.     (Soil  No  13.) 

Ficus,  Fig-tree,  a  genus  containing  about  fifty  hot-house 
species,  besides  several  that  belong  to  the  green-house  :  greatly 
admired  for  the  beauty  of  their  toliage.  A  few  of  them  are 
deciduous,  and  all  of  the  easiest  culture.  We  have  seen  plants 
of  F.  eldstica  hung  in  the  back  of  the  hot-house,  without  the 
smallest  particle  of  earth,  their  only  support  being  sprinklings 
of  water  every  day.  F.  b7-dssi  and  F.  macroplitjlla  are  the 
finest-looking  species  that  have  come  under  our  observation  ; 


164  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,  ETC.  [_^i(*ff- 

the  leaves  of  both  are  very  large  and  shading,  occupying  con- 
siderable space.  In  small  collections,  F.  indlca  and  F.  nltida 
are  desirable;  F.  repens  is  a  climbing  plant.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Franciscea,  a  new  genus  of  plants  from  South  America, 
containing  about  four  species  of  profuse-blooming  plants. 
F.  Hopeana  and  F.  latifblia  are  generally  known ;  the  latter 
possesses  all  the  combined  fragrance  of  the  jasmine  and 
jonquil;  the  flowers  are  one  inch  in  diameter,  of  a  rich  purple, 
fading  to  pure  white,  and  blooms  the  whole  winter.  (Soil 
No.  9.) 

Gardenias,  a  genus  containing  about  seventeen  species, 
several  of  them  very  popular  in  our  collections,  going  under 
the  name  of  Cape  Jasmine,  which  do  well  in  the  green-house 
(see  May).  The  species  requiring  this  department,  and  de- 
serving attention,  are  G.  Sherbournii,  with  large  spotted 
flowers;  G,  Stanleyana,  flowers  of  a  greenish  white  colour, 
nine  inches  long,  spotted  with  brown,  splendid;  they  require 
to  have  the  pots  well  drained.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Gcissomeria  longiflbra.  This  is  a  new  genus,  and  closely 
allied  to  Ruellia.  The  species  alluded  to  is  a  free  flower, 
blooming  from  January  to  May,  in  close  spikes  of  a  scarlet 
colour,  leaves  opposite,  ovate,  elongate  and  shining ;  the  plants 
ruust  be  well  drained,  and  in  summer  kept  from  the  direct 
influence  of  the  sun.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Heliconia  hraziliensis.  This  very  splendid  plant  is  nearly 
related  to  StrclUzia,  and  in  splendour  surpasses  it.  The 
brilliant  scarlet  sheath  that  envelops  the  flowers  contrasts 
most  admirably  with  its  rich  green  leaves.  Give  plenty  of 
drainage  to  the  pots,  and,  when  the  plants  are  growing,  give 
a  liberal  supply  of  water.     (Soil  No.  17.) 

Hcliotrbpiums,  about  twelve  species,  of  little  merit,  except 
H.  peruvianum,  H.  intermedia,  H.  valitariana,  pale  bluish 
white ;  11.  Jieur  de  Liege,  represented  as  yellow,  but  is  only 
a  very  dull  white,  with  a  faint  yellow  eye ;  these  are  all  very 
agreeably  scented,  especially  the  two  former,  which  are  uni- 
versal favourites.     (Soil  No.  3.) 

Hibiscus. — This  genus  affords  many  fine  species  and  varie 
ties  of  plants  for  the  hot-house,  besides  others  for  every  de 
partraent  of  the  garden.  The  most  popular  in  our  collec- 
tions of  the  hot-house  is  H.  rosa  sinensis,  with  its  varieties, 
which  are  magnificent,  and  flower  profusely  from  February 
to  September.     The  single  or  original  species  is  also  beauti- 


May-I  HOT-HOUSE — OF  REPOTTING,  ETC.  165 

ful ;  the  vnrieties  are  H.  rbsa  sinensis  ruhro  pUnus,  double 
red ;  H.  r.  s.  cdrnea  plenus,  double  salmon  ;  ff.  r.  s.  varie- 
gdtus,  double  striped ;  striped  on  the  back  of  the  outside 
petals;  //.  r.  s.  Jiavn  plenus,  or  carnea,  double  buff;  H.  r. 
s.  latea  plenus,  double  yellow,  or  rather  sulphur.  The  plants 
grow  freely,  and  produce  their  flowers  three  or  four  inches 
in  diametei',  from  the  young  wood ;  the  leaves  are  ovate, 
acuminate,  smooth,  entire  at  the  base,  and  coarsely  teethed 
at  the  end.  All  the  varieties  are  of  the  same  character,  and 
highly  deserving  of  a  situation  in  every  collection.  There 
is  said  to  be  a  double  white  variety,  which  we  doubt.  S. 
mutabilis  fibre  pleno  is  a  splendid  plant,  of  strong  growth, 
and  will,  when  well  established,  flower  abundantly,  if  the 
wood  of  last  year  is  cut  to  within  a  few  eyes  of  the  wood  of 
the  previous  year ;  the  flowers  are  produced  on  the  young 
wood,  and  come  out  a  pale  colour,  and  change  to  bright  red, 
and  about  the  size  of  a  garden  Provins  rose ;  leaves  downy, 
cordate,  angular,  five-lobed,  acuminate,  and  slightly  in- 
dented. //.  liUii-flbrus  is  a  new  highly  esteemed  species; 
the  flowers  are  various  in  colour,  being  pink,  blush,  red,  and 
purple.  The  leaves  vary  in  character,  but  are  generally 
cordate,  crenate,  acuminate ;  the  petioles  are  brown,  and  the 
whole  slightly  hirsute ;  is  deciduous,  and  requires  to  be  kept 
in  the  warmest  part  of  the  house.      (Soil  No.  9.) 

Hoyas,  wax-plant,  twenty  species.  All  of  them  are  climb- 
ing succulents,  reqairing  plenty  of  heat  and  little  water.  M. 
canwsa  is  a  fine  flowering  species,  and  known  in  our  collec- 
tions as  the  wax-plant;  the  leaves  are  green  and  fleshy; 
the  flowers  are  mellifluous,  five-parted,  and  in  pendulous 
bunches,  slightly  bearded,  and  have  every  appearance  of  a 
composition  of  the  finest  wax;  of  a  blush  colour.  H.  cras- 
si/blia,  If.  grandifiora,  brown  flowered,  H.  hella,  variegated, 
H.  Cunninghamii  and  JI.  imperialis  are  all  well  worthy  of 
cultivation.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Ipoma'as,  a  genus  of  tropical  climbing  plants,  nearly  allied 
to  Coni;olvulus,  but  of  greater  beauty.  /.  Jdlapa  is  the 
true  jalap  of  the  druggists,  but  not  worthy  of  any  other  re- 
mark. I.  Horsfdllia  has  brilliant  rosy  crimson  flowers, 
which  it  is  almost  entirely  covered  with  from  December  to 
May.  /.  rugosa  has  a  profusion  of  large  rosy  lilac  flowei's.. 
/.  muUlflura,  blush  and  lilac.  I.  Learii  produces  a  profu- 
sion of  large  blue  flowers ;  they  are  all  very  showy  and  beau- 


166  HOT-HOUSE — OP   REPOTTING,   ETC.  [-^Vay 

tiful  ornaments  for  either  tlie  hot-house  or  the  flower-garde  a. 
(Soil  No.  13.) 

Ismene  amdncaes,  or  Pancratium  amdncaes.  This  pro- 
fuse yellow-flowering  bulb  is  richly  deserving  of  cultivation, 
and  should  be  kept  in  the  house  all  summer,  repotting  it  as 
often  as  the  roots  touch  the  interior  side  of  the  pot,  giving  it 
plenty  of  water  when  in  a  growing  state  ;  but  when  dormant, 
it  must  be  kept  dry  till  it  off"ers  to  grow :  when  well  treated, 
it  will  bloom  repeatedly  during  summer.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Ixbras,  a  genus  of  fine  flowering  plants,  and  does  extremely 
well  in  our  collections  in  comparison  to  the  state  they  are 
grown  in  England.  The  genus  specifically  is  much  confused 
among  us,  either  from  error  originating  with  those  who 
packed  them  for  this  country,  or  after  they  have  arrived.  1. 
2:>uqjurea,  leaves  oblong,  ovate,  blunt;  flowers  crimson:  I. 
crocLita,  leaves  oval,  lanceolate,  narrowing  toward  the  stem, 
smooth  underside  of  the  leaf;  the  nerves  are  very  percep- 
tible; flowers  safi"ron-coloured,  and  very  profuse.  /.  rosea, 
leaves  large,  regular  oblong,  a  little  acute,  very  distant  on 
the  wood,  central  nerve  strong;  flowers  rose-coloured  in  large 
corymbs,  branching  finely;  /.  handhuca,  leaves  very  close  to 
the  stem,  ovate,  acuminate;  nerves  straight,  middle  nerve 
(Stronger  than  any  other  of  the  genus;  flowers  scarlet.  /. 
bldnda,  leaves  small,  lanceolate,  ovate;  flowers  red,  cymes 
branching  in  three.  /.  diclwiima,  leaves  largest  of  the  genus, 
ovate,  acuminate,  undulate  footstalk  three-eighths  of  an 
inch  long;  whereas,  none  of  the  leaves  of  the  other  species 
have  footstalks  of  any  length ;  it  is  now  called  /.  undiddta  ; 
flowers  are  white,  leaves  ovate,  elongate,  sessile ;  I.  coccinea, 
flowers  scarlet,  in  crowded  corymbs.  /.  javonica,  similar  to 
coccinea  in  habit  and  form,  with  orange  flowers.  I.  salici/olia, 
is  willow-leaved,  as  its  name  implies,  flowers  scarlet  orange.  /. 
Favetta,  the  flowers  are  white  and  sweet-scented,  the  leaves  of 
all  the  species  are  opposite ;  there  are  a  few  other  species  that 
we  are  not  thoroughly  acquainted  with,  but  have  been  thus 
explicit  to  prevent  error  as  far  as  possible  in  this  beautiful 
genus.  They  are  all  evergreen,  low-growing  shrubs;  the 
plants  grow  best  in  Jersey  black  sandy  earth,  but  flower  most 
abundantly  with  Soil  No.  10. 

Jmnhosdx,  about  twelve  species,  which  have  been  princi- 
pally taken  from  Eugenia,  and  contains  its  finest  plants,  and 
is  a  splendid  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs.     E.  Jdmbos  is  now 


Mai/.^  HOT-HOUSK — OF    REPOTTING,    ETC,  167 

Jamhbsa  vulgaris,  which  flowers  and  fruits  freely  in  our  hot- 
houses. Xlie  fruit  is  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  eatable,  and 
smelling  like  a  rose,  hence  called  "  Rose  Apple."  The  petals 
of  all  the  species  are  simple,  and  may  rather  be  considered 
the  calyx  j  the  beauty  of  the  flowers  is  in  the  many  erect 
spreading  stamens,  either  straw,  white,  rose,  or  green  colour. 
J.  malaccensis,  Malay  Apple,  is  greatly  esteemed  for  the  de- 
lightful fragrance  of  its  fruit.  We  frequently  see  J.  pnrjnt^ 
rdscens,  which  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies,  going  under  J. 
m.,  which  is  an  Asiatic  species,  with  white  flowers  and  entire 
oblong  leaves ;  whereas,  the  leaves  of  J.  p.  are  small,  ovate, 
acuminate;  the  young  shoots  and  leaves  are  purple.  J.  ma- 
crophi/lla,  white,  and  J.  amplexicauh's,  green,  have  very  long 
oblong,  lanceolate  leaves,  and  are  of  a  strong,  woody  habit. 
They  are  all  easy  of  culture.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Jasmlnum,  Jasmine,  is  a  favourite  genus  of  shrubs  for  the 
exquisite  fragrance  of  its  flowers,  of  which  none  are  more 
delightful  than  J.  sdmhac  or  Arabian  Jasmine.  There  are 
two  other  varieties  of  it,  J.  s.  multiplex,  perfectly  double ; 
and  J.  s.  ti-ifoliatian,  double  Tuscan  Jasmine  or  Grand 
Duke;  J.  s.  Maid  of  Orleans,  large,  very  double,  like  a  very 
perfect  white  rose,  and  exquisitely  fragrant.  There  is  also  a 
semi-double  variety  in  cultivation.  J.  multifibrum  is  a  pro- 
fusely flowering  and  beautiful  species.  There  are  several 
others,  all  with  white  flowers,  a!ad  generally  easy  of  culture. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Jdtropha,  Physic-nut,  is  a  genus  of  six  strong-growing 
shrubs,  natives  of  the  West  Indies.  J.  multifida  and  J. 
pandura'fdlia  have  the  handsomest  foliage,  and  both  have 
scarlet  flowers ;  the  appearance  of  the  foliage  of  this  genus  is 
the  only  object :  the  flowers  are  small,  in  coarse  disfigured 
panicles,  and  several  of  the  species  have  not  been  known  to 
flower  in  artificial  cultivation.  The  seeds  of  J.  ciircas  are 
often  received  from  the  West  Indies ;  the  leaves  are  cordate, 
angular  and  smooth.  J.  manihot,  now  Manihot  cannah\na,  is 
the  Cassada  root,  the  juice  of  which,  when  expressed,  is  a 
strong  poison.  They  are  all  easy  of  culture;  want  of  strong 
heat  in  winter  will  make  them  cast  their  leaves,  but  docs  them 
^no  other  injury.     (Soil  No.  17.) 

Justicia.  A  few  species  of  this  genus  are  fine  showy  hot- 
house plants.  J.  carneu,  flesh-colour  flowers  in  large  spikes, 
very  fine,  blooming  nearly  the  whole  season.     J.  coccinea  has 


168  HOT-HOUSE — OF  REPOTTING,   ETC.  [May. 

large  terminal  spikes  of  scarlet  flowers,  blooming  from  De- 
cember to  March,  and  is  a  very  desirable  plant,  o4  easy  cul- 
ture, and  should  be  in  every  collection ;  it  is  apt  to  grow 
spindly,  if  not  kept  near  the  glass.  I.  picta,  with  its  varieties, 
I.  lucida,  and  I.  calyctrlcha,  are  fine  shrubby  species.  I. 
speciosa  is  a  beautiful  profuse  purple  flowering  plant.  (Soil 
No.  11.) 

Lmitdna,  a  genus  of  twenty  species,  all  free-flowering 
shrubs;  the  flowers  are  small,  in  round  heads  blooming  from 
the  axils,  in  yellow,  orange,  pink,  white  and  changeable  colours; 
principally  of  a  rough,  straggling  growth,  and  are  not  esteemed. 
However,  L.  sello'i,  light  purple;  L.  rmitdhilis,  yellow, 
orange,  and  pink ;  L.  hicolor,  white  and  pink,  and  fj.  fucdta 
(or  Dougldsii  of  some),  lilac  and  white ;  L.  rosea,  white, 
changing  to  rose;  L.  Mexicana,  very  rich  orange,  one  of  the 
finest.  These  are  very  handsome  growing  plants,  and  will 
even  keep  in  a  good  green-house;  but  in  such  case  will  only 
bloom  in  summer.  They  will  not  bear  a  strong  fumigation  ; 
therefore,  when  the  hot-house  is  under  that  operation,  they 
must  be  set  down  in  the  pathway,  or  other  low  part  in  the 
house.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Lasiandra,  a  genus  related  to  melastoma,  of  which  there 
are  several  very  handsome  species.  L.  splendens,  with 
hirsute  rich  crimson  foliage  and  brilliant  purple  flowers, 
blooming  from  January  to  May.  L.  Benthamiana,  with  very 
elegant  foliage  and  rich  bluish  purple  flowers,  grows  freely  in 
Soil  No.  1. 

Latdnias.  This  genus  contains  three  species  of  handsome 
palms.  L.  harhbnica  is  one  of  the  finest  of  the  Pahna?,  not 
growing  to  great  magnitude ;  the  leaves  or  fronds  are  plaited 
flabelliform,  leaflets  smooth  at  the  edge,  footstalk  spiny,  and 
the  plant  spreading.  L.  r&hra,  fronds  same  as  the  former, 
but  leaflets  more  divided  and  surrulate ;  footstalk  unarmed  : 
foliage  reddish.  L.  glaucophylla  same  as  L.  rubra,  only  the 
foliage  glaucous.  They  are  all  valuable  plants,  and  are  ob- 
tained by  seed  from  the  East  Indies.  They  require  plenty  of 
pot-room.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Laurus. — This  genus,  though  of  no  beauty  in  flower,  is 
generally  admired  in  collections  for  its  fine  evergreen  foli- 
age, and  aromatic  or  spicy  flavour,  and  several  trees  are 
important  in  medicine.  The  most  esteemed  are  given  to  a 
genus    named    Cinnamomum.^  as    has  been  observed    iu  the 


May.']  HOT-HOUSE — OF  REPOTTING,   ETC.  169 

green-bouse  (see  March).  L.  Chlordxylon  is  the  Cogwood 
of  Jamaica.  L.  p6rsea  is  now  Persea  gratissimt,  Alliga- 
tor-pear, a  fruit  about  tbe  size  of  a  large  pear,  and  greatly- 
esteemed  in  tbe  West  Indies ;  tbe  plant  is  generally  known 
in  our  collections.  C.  verum  is  tbe  true  Cinnamon  of  com- 
merce. 

Tbe  part  taken  is  the  inside  of  the  bark  when  tbe  tree  is 
from  five  to  eighteen  years  old.  The  leaves  are  three- 
nerved,  ovate,  oblong;  nerves  vanishing  towards  tbe  point, 
bright  green  above,  pale  beneath,  with  whitish  veins.  This 
plant  ought  to  be  kept  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  hot-house. 
C.  cassia  is  frequently  given  under  the  former  name,  but 
when  compared,  may  be  easily  detected  by  the  leaves  being 
more  lanceolate  and  a  little  pubescent.  They  both  make 
handsome  plants,  but  require  great  heat.  Drain  the  pots  well 
of  tbe  delicate  sorts.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Lycopodiuni,  a  family  of  dwarf  mossy-like  plants,  admira- 
bly adapted  for  shady  situations  amongst  other  plants  to  cover 
pots,  edgings  for  paths,  &c.  L.  denticulatuvi,  green.  L. 
ccesicum,  blue  green  L.  arboreum  large,  blue  climbing,  very 
elegant.  They  all  require  an  abundance  of  moisture  and  will 
grow  in  any  soil. 

31angifera,  Mango  tree.  There  are  two  species.  M.  in- 
dicn  is  in  our  collections,  and  bears  a  fruit  which  is  so  highly 
esteemed  in  the  East  Indies  as  to  be  considered  preferable  to 
any  other,  except  very  fine  pine-apples.  The  leaves  are 
lanceolate,  and  from  six  to  eight  inches  long,  and  two  or 
more  broad.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  loose  bunches  at 
the  end  of  the  branches,  but  of  no  beauty,  and  have  to  be 
artificially  impregnated,  or  it  will  scarcely  produce  fruit. 
The  shell  is  kidney-shaped,  and  of  a  leathery  crustaceous  sub- 
stance. They  contain  one  seed,  and  in  their  indigenous  state 
are  more  juicy  than  an  apple.  Drain  tbe  pots  well,  as  the 
roots  are  apt  to  get  sodden  from  moisture.  The  other  species 
goes  under  the  name  of  oppositifblia,  but  we  question  if  it  is 
not  only  a  variety,  for  it  has  every  character  of  the  one  just 
described.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Merica,  a  genus  of  hot-house  plants,  closely  allied  to  Iris, 
between  which  there  is  no  distinction  in  the  leaves.  The 
flowers  of  M.  ccerulea  are  beautifully  spotted  with  light  and 
dark  blue,  the  scape  many-flowered.  M.  Sahini  has  flowers 
similar,  but  not  so  dark  in  colour.  M.  Northidna  has  splen- 
16 


170  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,    ETC.  [J/a?/. 

did  white  and  brown-spotted  flowers,  spathe  two-flowered. 
These  plants,  when  growing,  require  a  liberal  supply  of 
water,  and  should  be  greatly  encouraged  by  frequent  potting 
to  flower  well.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Meldstoma  was  once  an  extensive  genus,  on  which  the 
natural  order  Melastomacece  is  founded;  but  is  now  much 
divided  into  other  genera  contained  in  the  natural  tribe 
Alicomece..  There  are  about  thirteen  species  remaining  in 
the  genus.  They  now  display  great  unity  of  character,  and 
many  of  them  may  be  considered  very  ornamental.  The 
finest  are  M.  heteromalla,  bluish  purple,  and  an  abundant 
bloomer ;  M.  malahhdthrica,  rose-coloured ;  M.  sanguinea, 
lilac ;  M.  sjjlendens,  large  violet ;  and  31.  aspera,  rose. 
There  is  a  plant  in  several  of  our  collections  known  as  M. 
purpurea  and  31.  tetragbna,  which  is  Osscea  purpurascens ; 
leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  acuminate,  five-nerved,  pilose ;  the 
footstalk  and  nerves  underside  of  the  leaf  covered  with 
brown  hairs ;  stem  four-sided ;  flowers  purple.  All  the 
species  are  easy  of  culture.  M.  nepalensis  is  a  green-house 
plant.     (Soil  No.  1.) 

31andevina  Suaveblens,  or  Cliili  Jasmine:  this  beautiful 
climber  is  a  native  of  South  America;  the  flowers  are  in 
clusters  and  nearly  bell-shaped,  white,  and  of  exquisite  fra- 
grance; the  bloom  is  produced  on  the  extremity  of  the 
shoots.  After  the  flowering  season,  the  plants  should  be 
pruned  back  to  within  a  few  eyes  of  the  preceding  year's 
wood.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

31edinilla,  a  new  family  of  tropical  plants,  magnificent  for 
the  grandeur  of  their  foliage  and  the  profusion  of  pink 
flowers,  which  they  produce  at  nearly  all  seasons  of  the  year. 
M.  erythrophylla,  31.  radicaus,  31.  Specwsa  and  31.  Siehol- 
diana,  are  all  easily  cultivated.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

31iLsa  (Plantain  tree),  contains  eight  species,  and  is  greatly 
esteemed  in  the  East  and  West  Indies  for  the  luscious  sweet 
flavour  of  its  fruit,  which  can  be  converted  into  every  delicacy 
in  the  domestic  cookery  of  the  country.  M.  paradtslaca  is  the 
true  plantain  tree,  has  a  soft  herbaceous  stalk,  fifteen  or 
twenty  feet  high,  with  leaves  from  five  to  seven  feet  long,  and 
about  two  feet  wide.  31.  sapientum  is  the  true  banana  tree ; 
habit  and  character  same  as  the  former,  except  it  has  a  spotted 
stem,  and  the  male  flowers  are  deciduous.  The  pulp  of  the 
fruit  is  softer,  and  the  taste  more  luscious.     M.  rosdcea,  M. 


Mai/.^  HOT-HOUSE — OP  REPOTTING,  UTC.  171 

coccinea,  and  M.  chinensis,  are  more  esteemed  in  artificial  cul- 
tivation for  their  flowers,  and  for  being  smaller  in  growth, 
31.  Cavendishii  produces  immense  clusters  of  ripe  and  well- 
flavoured  fruit,  plants  only  four  feet  and  a  half  high ;  will 
yearly  produce  about  eighty  pounds.  M.  ddcca  is  another 
dwarf  species,  and  in  1838  ripened  a  cluster  of  fruit  in  the 
Eoyal  Botanic  Gardens  of  Edinburgh  which  weighed  fifty 
pounds.  These  dwarf  bananas  are  now  being  cultivated  in 
Europe  expressly  for  their  fruit,  which  is  very  delicious  when 
perfectly  ripened.  They  are  Chinese  plants,  and  will  soon  be 
introduced  into  the  West  India  Islands,  where  they  will 
entirely  supplant  the  large  varieties. 

Myrtus  Pimenta,  or,  more  properly,  Piminta  Vidijdns,  is 
the  Jamaica  pepper  or  allspice;  there  is  no  beauty  in  the 
flowers — the  leaves  are  highly  aromatic,  and  it  is  a  handsome 
evergreen.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Nepenthes  (Pitcher-plant).  There  are  two  species  of 
this  plant.  N.  distillatdria  is  an  esteemed  and  valuable 
plant  in  European  collections,  and  we  are  not  aware  of  there 
being  any  in  this  country,  except  in  Philadelphia.  The 
leaves  are  lanceolate  and  sessile ;  from  their  extremity  there 
is  a  spiral,  attached  to  which  are  long  inflated  appendages 
that  are  generally  half  full  of  water,  which  appears  to  be 
confined  within  them  by  a  lid  with  which  the  appendao-es  are 
surmounted ;  hence  the  name  of  pitcher  plant.  "We  have 
never  observed  the  lids  close  again  when  once  open.  Writers 
have  called  it  an  herbaceous  plant,  but  it  is  properly  a  climbing 
shrub.  The  pot  in  which  it  grows  should  be  covered  with 
moss,  and  the  roots  liberally  supplied  with  water  every  day. 
It  delights  to  be  in  a  moist  state.  The  flowers  are  small,  and 
in  long  spikes.  The  plant  is  of  easy  culture,  and  even  rapid 
in  growth  :  a  plant  with  us  only  nineteen  months  old  is  now 
five  feet  high.     (Soil  No.  5.) 

Pancratium  is  a  genus  of  hot-house  bulbs,  and  now  only 
contains  five  species.  They  are  all  free-flowering.  Several 
of  them  are  laandsorae  and  fragrant.  P.  maritimum  and  P. 
verecundum  are  the  finest;  the  flowers  are  white,  in  large 
umbels;  petals  long,  recurved,  and  undulate.  P.  littordlis, 
p.  speciosum,  and  P.  caribceum,  are  now  given  to  the  genus 
JTt/menocdUis,  and  are  fine  flowering  species.  Care  must  be 
taken  not  to  give  them  water  while  dormant.     Thi  soil  ought 


172  HOT-HOUSE — OP   REPOTTING,  ETC.  [May. 

at  that  time  to  be  in  a  half  dry  state.     They  are   in  flower 
from  May  to  August.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Panddnits,  Screw  Pine.  There  are  about  twenty  species 
in  this  genus,  several  of  them  very  interesting,  but  none  so 
greatly  admired  as  P.  odoratissimus.  The  leaves  in  estab- 
lished plants  are  from  four  to  six  feet  long,  on  the  back 
and  edges  spiny ;  are  spreading,  imbricated,  and  embracing 
the  stem,  and  placed  in  three  spiral  rows  upon  it.  The 
top  soon  becomes  heavy,  when  the  plant  throws  out  prongs 
one,  two,  or  three  feet  up  the  stem  in  an  oblique  descending 
direction,  which  take  root  in  the  ground,  and  thus  become 
perfectly  supported.  It  is  cultivated  in  Japan  for  its  de- 
lightful fragrance,  and  it  is  said,  "  of  all  the  perfumes,  it  is 
by  far  the  richest  and  most  powerful."  P.  iltilis,  red- 
spined.  We  question  this  species,  and  are  inclined  to 
believe  that  it  is  the  former,  only  when  the  plants  are  newly 
raised  from  seed  the  spines  and  leaves  are  red,  changing  to 
green  as  they  become  advanced  in  age.  The  plants  are  easy 
of  culture,    and  will    grow    almost  in    any  soil.     (Soil  No. 

Passijlora,  "Passion-flower,  so  named  on  account  of  its 
being  supposed  to  represent  in  the  appendages  of  its  flower 
the  Passion  of  Jesus  Christ."  There  are  about  fifty  species, 
all  climbing  plants,  that  belong  to  the  hot-house.  Many  are 
of  no  ordinary  beauty  •  a  few  species  are  odoriferous ;  others 
bear  edible  fruits,  though  not  rich  in  flavour.  P.  aldta  is 
in  our  collections,  and  greatly  admired;  the  flowers  are  red, 
blue,  and  white,  beautifully  contrasted,  and  flower  profusely 
in  pots.  P.  racemSsa,  red  flower.  P.  cceriileo-racemosa, 
purple.  P.  qundrancjiddris  has  beautiful  red  and  white 
flowers.  The  plant  is  ir  several  collections,  but  has  seldom 
flowered ;  it  requires  to  be  planted  in  the  ground  to  make  it 
flower  freely,  and  it  will  also  produce  fruit.  P.  picturdta  is 
a  scarce  and  beautiful  various-coloured  species.  P.  Jicrme- 
sina,  bright  rosy  crimson,  and,  beyond  all  question,  the  most 
profuse  flowering  species  now  in  cultivation,  and  will  do  well 
in  a  good  green-house.  P.  Loudbnii,  bright  crimson.  P. 
edulis  is  cultivated  for  its  fruit.  There  are  many  other  fine 
species,  but  these  are  the  most  esteemed  sorts ;  and,  when 
well  established,  will  flower  profusely  from  May  to  August. 
They  are  desirable  in  every  collection,  and  will  take  only  a 


Mai/.']  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,  ETC.  173 

email  space  to  hold  them,  by  training  the  vines  up  the  rafters 
of  the  hot-house„     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Phoenix,  Date-palm,  about  eight  species,  principally  Asi-- 
atic  plants.  The  foliage  is  not  so  attractive  as  many  others 
of  the  palm  family,  but  it  is  rendered  interesting  by  producing 
a  well-known  fruit  called  Date.  P.  dactyl\fera  will  do  very 
well  in  a  common  green-house.  In  Arabia,  Upper  Egypt,  and 
Barbary,  it  is  much  used  in  domestic  economy.  P.  palu- 
ddsa  has  the  most  beautiful  foliage,  and  the  best  habit.  The 
flowers  are  dioscious.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Plumbago  rdsea  is  a  pretty  free-blooming  plant,  with  con- 
tinued profusion  of  red  flowers ;  it  requires  plenty  of  heat  and 
a  good  drainage.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

PlumeHas,  above  twenty  species.  Plants  of  a  slow  growth, 
robust  nature,  and  are  deciduous.  The  foliage  is  greatly  ad- 
mired. The  plants  are  shy  to  flower,  but  are  brilliant  in 
colour.  P.  acuminata  has  lanceolate,  acute  leaves,  flowers 
corymbose  and  terminal.  P.  tricolor  has  oblong,  acute, 
veiny  leaves;  corolla  red,  yellow,  and  white.  This  and  P. 
rubra  are  the  finest  of  the  genus.  They  ought  not  to  get  any 
water  while  not  in  a  growing  state.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Poinsettia*  pulchcrrtma.  When  well  cultivated,  this  ifj 
truly  the  most  magnificent  of  all  the  tropical  plants  we  have 
ever  seen ;  from  December  to  April,  it  is  crowned  with 
flowers,  surrounding  which  are  bright  scarlet  whorls  of  brac- 
teae,  frequently  measuring  twenty-two  inches  in  diameter. 
To  grow  it  to  such  perfection,  we  treat  it  as  follows :  in  April 
we  cut  the  young  wood  down  to  within  two  inches  of  the 
wood  of  the  preceding  year,  and  reduce  the  ball  of  earth,  put- 
ting it  into  a  smaller  pot.  About  the  end  of  May  we  plant 
it  in  the  open  ground,  in  light  rich  soil,  giving  it  one  or  two 
waterings  after  planting.  During  summer  it  will  grow  three 
or  four  feet ;  about  the  end  of  September,  it  is  carefully  lifted 
and  potted  into  a  large-sized  pot,  and  put  into  the  hot-house, 
carefully  shading  it  for  a  few  days — when  it  requires  no  more 
attention  except  a  regular  supply  of  water,  and  to  be  kept  in 
a  temperature  of  from  55°  to  75°.     There  is  also  a  pale  yel- 

*  Named  by  Professor  Graham,  of  Edinburgh,  in  compliment  to  the 
Hon.  J.  R.  Poinsett  (late  Secretary  of  War),  -who  introduced  the 
plant  in  1828  to  this  country  from  Mexico,  while  he  was  Minister 
Plenipotentiary  to  that  Republic.  He  also,  at  the  same  time,  intro- 
duced a  rich  and  valuable  collection  of  Cactse. 
15* 


174  HOT-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING,   ETC.  [3/ay. 

low  bracteced  variety ;  but  we  are  not  aware  of  its  being  for 
sale  in  this  country.  When  the  plant  is  grown  in  pots  during 
summer,  it  must  be  repotted  every  month  to  encourage  its 
rapid  growth.     (Soil  No.  18.) 

Hhdpu,  a  genus  of  palms  that  will  grow  vei'y  freely  with 
heat  and  room  at  the  roots,  i?.  JlahelUfdrmis  is  an  erect 
growing  palm,  with  a  spreading  head.  It  is  a  native  of  China. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

RondeUtia  specidsa  is  a  new  and  rare  plant,  in  every  re- 
spect equal,  if  not  superior,  to  Ixbra  cdccinea ;  its  large 
corymbs  of  orange-red  flowers  have  a  very  striking  appear- 
ance, and  it  is  easily  cultivated  in  soil  No.  1.  It  should  have 
frequent  repottings  when  growing. 

Ruellia.  There  are  a  few  species,  very  pretty  flowering 
plants,  of  easy  culture.  R.  formbsa,  flowers  long,  of  a  fine 
scarlet  colour;  plant  half  shrubby.  R.  fulgida  has  bright 
scarlet  flowers  on  axillary  long-stalked  fascicles.  R.  persi- 
ci/oKa,  with  unequal  leaves  and  light  blue  flowers,  is  now 
called  R.  anisopliylla.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Russelia  jiincea,  a  slender  plant  of  an  upright  habit,  pro- 
ducing, when  well  grown,  a  profusion  of  scarlet  tubular 
flowers,  about  one  inch  long  each  :  it  is  of  the  easiest  culture 
in  soil  No.  19. 

Sdgus,  Sago  palm.  "We  are  of  opinion  that  the  true  palm 
from  which  the  sago  of  the  shops  is  pi'oduced  has  not  been 
introduced  into  our  collections.  It  is  very  rare  in  the  most 
extensive  collections  of  Europe,  but  it  is  not  so  fine  a  plant 
as  the  one  we  have  under  the  Sago,  which  is  placed  in  the 
natural  order  of  Cycadece;  and  Sagus  is  in  that  of  Palmce. 
The  finest  of  this  genus  is  S.  vinifera  and  S.  Riimphii. 
They  grow  to  a  great  height;  even  in  artificial  cultivation 
they  may  be  seen  from  ten  to  twenty-five  feet.  We  have  not 
introduced  them  here  for  their  beauty,  but  to  prevent  error. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

Soldndra,  a  genus  of  four  species,  remarkable  for  the  ex- 
traordinary size  of  their  flowers,  and  are  considered  beautiful, 
>S^.  grandlfibra  and  S.  viridljibra  are  the  best  two.  The 
plants  will  bloom  well  if  they  are  restricted  in  pot-room,  and 
are  only  introduced  as  being  worthy  of  cultivation.  If  they 
are  repotted  once  in  two  or  three  years,  it  is  sufficient,  except 
where  the  plants  are  small  and  want  encouragement.  (Soil 
No.  13.) 


May."]  HOT-HOUSE — oi-  repotting,  etc.  175 

Strelifzia,  a  splendid  genus  of  noble-looking  plants,  all  of 
which  do  perfectly  well  in  the  green-house,  except  aS'.  aiigusta, 
the  flowers  of  which  are  pure  white  ;  the  leaves  are  very  large, 
being  nearly  six  feet  long  and  eighteen  inches  wide,  and 
assume  the  appearance  of  the  Banana  tree :  it  requires  great 
space  for  its  roots.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Sfephanotis  Jlorahundus,  a  new  and  splendid  evergreen 
climber,  with  dark  green  thick  leaves  like  a  luxuriant  wax 
plant,  producing  large  bunches  of  pure  waxy  white  fragrant 
flowers ;  of  easy  culture  in  soil  No.  13. 

Stigmaphyllon  cilliatum,  a  very  distinct  climbing  plant, 
well  adapted  for  covering  rafters,  columns,  or  trellis  work,  the 
foliage  is  of  a  glossy  green,  and  when  covered  with  its  bright 
yellow  flowers  in  profuse  clusters,  it  makes  a  charming  object. 
(Soil  No.  13.) 

Sioieteiiia  (Mahogany  tree),  the  wood  of  which  is  celebra- 
ted in  cabinet  work.  S.  mahdgoni,  common.  This  tree 
varies  much  in  general  appearance,  according  to  soil  and 
situation.  The  leaves  are  pinnated  in  four  pairs ;  leaflets 
ovate,  lanceolate ;  flowers  small,  white,  in  axillary  panicles. 
S.  fubri/uga,  leaves  pinnated,  in  four  pairs ;  leaflets  ellipti- 
cal; flowers  white,  in  terminal  panicles.  The  wood  of  the 
last  is  the  most  durable  of  any  in  the  East  Indies.  They  are 
fine  plants,  and  require  heat  and  pot-room  to  produce  flowers. 
(Soil  No.  15.) 

Taherntxmontana,  a  genus  of  little  beauty,  except  for  one 
or  two  species.  A  plant  known  in  some  collections  as  Nerium 
corondrium,  is  now,  and  properly,  T.  corondria.  The  variety 
fibre  plain  is  the  one  most  deserving  of  culture,  and  will 
flower  profusely  from  May  to  August ;  the  flowers  are  double, 
white,  fragrant,  and  divaricating.  The  plant  will  lose  its 
foliage  if  not  kept  in  a  strong  heat;  therefore  place  it  in  the 
warmest  part  of  the  hot-house.  T.  densijlbra  is  a  fine  species, 
but  very  rare.  Drain  all  the  plants  well,  and  keep  them  in 
the  shade  during  summer. 

Tecbma,  a  genus  of  plants  closely  allied  to  Bignbnia,  and 
are  free-flowering;  several  of  them  much  esteemed.  2'.  mollis, 
T.  digitdta,  and  T.  splaidida,  are  the  most  beautiful  of  those 
that  belong  to  the  hot-house.  They  have  large  orange-coloured, 
tubular,  inflated,  ringent  flowers,  in  loose  panicles.  There  is 
a  plant  known  in  our  collections  as  Bignbnia  dans,  which  is 
now   T.  stdns ;  has  pinnated  leaves,  with  oblong,  lanceolate, 


.!fl6  HOT-HOUSE — OF  REPOTTING,    ETC.  [-^Ua^- 

Berrated  leaflets ;  flowers  in  simple  terminal  raceme,  and  of  a 
yellow  colour,  and  sometimes  known  by  Ash-leaved  Bignbnia. 
It  will  always  have  a  sickly  aspect,  if  not  well  encouraged  in 
light  rich  soil.  For  other  species,  see  Green-house.  Drain 
the  pots  well,  as  much  moisture  disfigures  the  foliage.  (Soil 
No.  10.) 

Thrinax  parvifibra  is  a  fine  dwarf  palm  of  the  West 
Indies,  with  palmated  fronds,  plaited  with  stifi",  lanceolate 
segments.  The  plant  is  of  easy  cultivation,  and  will  grow  in 
any  soil.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Tlmnhergia,  a  genus  containing  six  climbing  plants  of  a 
half  shrubby  nature.  Some  of  them  have  a  fragrant  odour. 
T.  coccinea,  red ;  T.  grandijftbra,  blue ;  T.  frdgrans,  white 
sweet-scented ;  T.  aldta  has  pretty  buff  and  purple  flowers, 
which  are  in  great  profusion.  If  sown  in  May,  they  will 
bloom  from  July  until  killed  by  frost.  T.  chri/sops,  beauti- 
ful blue,  with  a  dark  brown  eye,  a  plant  of  dwarf  habit  re- 
quiring partial  shade.  This  makes  a  very  pretty  annual  in 
the  flower-garden,  with  its  beautiful  white  variety,  forming  an 
elegant  contrast.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Torenia  Asidfica,  an  exquisite  tropical,  soft-wooded  plant, 
producing  a  profusion  of  waxy,  porcelain  blue  flowers,  tipped 
with  rich  violet  purple,  in  constant  succession,  requiring  par- 
tial shade  and  frequent  sprinklings  of  water  over  the  foliage. 
It  also  succeeds  admirably  out  of  doors  in  the  summer  sea- 
son, where  the  situation  is  moist  and  half-shady.     (Soil  No. 

Tradescdntia  dhcolor.  Purple-leaved  spider  wort.  This 
is  an  herbaceous  plant,  and  is  only  cultivated  for  its  beauti- 
ful purple  foliage.  It  has  curious  small  white  flowers.  (Soil 
No.  10.) 

Urdnia  specidsa,  a  gigantic-looking  plant  closely  connected 
to  3Iusa,  from  which  it  differs  in  habit  by  the  large  leaves 
being  more  erect :  to  grow  it  luxuriantly,  give  it  plenty  of 
heat,  water,  and  pot-room.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Vinca  rosea  or  Madagascar  Periwinlde,  makes  a  charming 
winter  flowering  plant  for  the  hot-house,  there  are  three 
varieties  pure  white,  white  with  rose  eye,  and  the  purple,  all 
of  the  easiestculture  in  any  soil;  they  require  full  exposure 
to  the  sun  and  to  be  frequently  repotted. 

Zdmia,  a  genus  of  plants  in  the  natural  order  of  Cycadece. 
Several  species  of  th/:m  are  admired.     Z.  midia,  Z.  furfur d^ 


MayJ]  HOT-HOUSE — OF   BRINGING   OUT,  ETC.  177 

ceay  Z.  Unuis,  Z.  integi  ifblia,  are  the  most  showy  that  belong 
to  the  hot-house.  The  whole  genus  is  frequently  kept  in 
this  department.  They  are  all  plants  of  a  slow  growth,  and 
the  beauty  is  entirely  in  the  pinnated  fronds,  with  from  ten 
to  forty  pairs  of  leaflets.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Those  genera  of  plants  which  we  have  enumerated  under 
the  head  of  repotting  in  this  or  next  month,  are  composed  of 
the  finest  hot-house  plants  that  have  come  under  our  observa- 
tion. There  are  perhaps  a  few  of  them  that  are  not  to  be 
found  in  the  United  States,  or  even  on  our  continent;  but  the 
great  object  in  a  choice  collection  of  plants,  is  to  have  the 
finest  from  all  parts  of  the  known  world.  There  are  many 
plants  whose  nature  does  not  require  much  support  from  soil, 
which  is  frequently  observed  in  those  that  are  mentioned. 
And  there  are  many  hundreds  of  plants  desirable  for  beauty, 
ornament,  and  curiosity,  which  would  take  volumes  to  specify 
and  describe.  In  fact,  every  year  brings  many  new  things, 
and  frequently  both  7ie%o  and  splendid,  either  in  flower,  fruit, 
or  foliage. 

We  have  previously  observed,  that  plants  ought  not  to  be 
flooded  with  water  when  newly  potted,  as  it  saturates  the  soil 
before  the  roots  have  taken  hold  of  it;  and  that  the  best 
draining  for  pots  is  small  gravel  or  pot-shreds  broken  fine. 
We  wish  it  to  be  understood  that,  when  plants  are  repotted, 
any  irregular  branch  or  shoot  should  be  lopped  ofi"  that  can- 
not be  tied  to  advantage.  And  repotting  may  take  place 
either  before  or  after  the  plants  are  exposed  to  the  open  air, 
accordine:  to  convenience. 


OP   BRINGING   OUT    THE    HOT-HOUSE   PLANTS. 

When  the  hot-house  is  very  crowded  with  plants,  the  best 
method  to  have  them  exposed  without  danger  is  to  take  out 
those  of  the  hardiest  nature  first,  that  have  no  tender  shoots 
upon  them,  thereby  thinning  the  house  gradually.  This  may 
be  done  from  the  sixteenth  to  the  twentieth  of  the  month, 
which  will  admit  of  a  free  circulation  of  air  among  those  that 
remain.  All  may  be  exposed  from  the  twenty-fourth  to  the 
twenty-eighth  of  the  month.  This  is  a  general  rule,  though 
in  some  seasons  there  may  be  exceptions.     Having  previously 


178  HOT-HOUSE OF   BRINGING   OUT,    ETC.  [jl/a^. 

given  all  the  air  possible  to  the  house,  that  no  sudden  transi- 
tion take  place,  which  would  make  the  foliage  brown  and 
otherwise  materially  injure  the  plants,  choose  calm  days  for 
the  removing  of  them. 

There  are  few  plants  while  in  pots  that  agree  with  the  full 
sun  upon  them ;  or,  if  the  plants  receive  the  sun,  the  pots 
and  roots  ought  not.  The  best  situation  for  them  is  on  the 
north  side  of  a  fence,  wall,  house,  or  other  building,  where 
they  are  excluded  from  the  mid-day  sun,  and  they  should 
stand  on  boards  or  gravel,  with  the  tallest  at  the  back,  firmly 
tied  to  a  rail,  or  some  other  security,  to  prevent  them  from 
being  overturned  by  high  winds.  Make  a  fanciful  bed,  and 
cover  it  with  sand  or  coal  ashes,  for  the  reception  of  the 
smaller  plants,  and  setting  them  thinly  and  regularly  thereon 
is  preferable  to  crowding  them  with  the  taller  sorts.  And 
it  may  be  desired  to  have  some  of  the  plants  plunged  in  the 
garden  through  the  flower  borders.  Of  these  that  are  so 
treated,  the  pots  must  be  plunged  to  the  brim,  and  regularly 
turned  round  every  two  weeks,  to  prevent  the  roots  from 
running  into  the  earth.  If  the  roots  were  allowed  to  do  so, 
it  might  for  the  present  strengthen  the  plant,  but  ultimately 
would  prove  injurious. 

Where  a  sufficiency  of  shade  cannot  be  obtained,  it  would 
be  advisable  to  go  to  the  expense  of  a  very  thin  awning, 
that  would  not  exclude  the  light,  but  merely  the  powerful 
rays  of  the  sun,  attending  to  roll  it  up  every  evening.  Plants 
will  keep  in  beautiful  order  by  the  above  method,  which 
amply  repays  for  the  trouble  or  expense.  Avoid  putting 
plants  under  trees ;  comparatively  few  thrive  in  such  situa- 
tions. 

When  they  are  thus  exposed  to  the  open  air,  it  will  be  very 
little  trouble  to  give  them  a  gentle  syringing  every  evening 
when  there  is  no  rain,  and  continue  your  usual  examinations 
for  insects ;  when  they  appear,  resort  to  the  prescribed  reme- 
dies. Green-fly  will  not  affect  them,  but  the  thrips  may. 
(Jive  regular  supplies  of  water  every  evening,  and  again  in  the 
morning  to  all  that  require  it,  carefully  examining  those  that 
are  in  small  pots. 


June,  Jul^.']  HOT-HOUSE — of  repotting,  etc.  179 


SUCCULENTS,    OR   THE   CACT^A   TRIBE. 

The  Cereus  Mammilldria,  and  Opilntia.  Divisions  of  tnis 
family  are,  in  their  indigenous  state,  exposed  on  rocks,  hilly 
lands,  and  arid  situations,  being  at  all  times  fully  exposed  to 
the  sun  :  still,  with  us,  we  find  that  they  thrive  best  with  a 
partial  shade,  though  we  have  frequently  seen  them  doing  well 
when  fully  exposed  to  the  influence  of  the  sun;  but  where 
they  are  to  be  kept  out  of  doors  all  the  season,  be  careful  in 
choosing  for  them  an  airy  situation,  and  never  allow  the  pots 
to  become  saturated  with  moisture. 

The  habits  of  the  Epiphyllum  tribe  are  entirely  different; 
they  are  generally  parasites,  growing  on  the  branches  and 
about  the  roots  of  decayed  trees ;  consequently,  they  are  often 
much  shaded,  and  they  evidently  show  it,  for  they  still  de- 
light to  be  shaded  from  the  direct  rays  of  a  noonday  sun.  If 
they  are  kept  in  the  house  through  the  summer  months,  take 
some  whiting,  and  make  a  thin  white-wash,  and  put  it  on  the 
inside  of  the  glass,  which  will  be  found  an  agreeable  and 
effectual  shade ;  but  where  time  and  means  are  at  hand,  a 
thin  awning,  of  gauze  or  muslin,  is  preferable,  provided  it  is 
regularly  rolled  up  when  the  sun  is  not  powerful. 


JUNE  AND  JULY. 

As  the  plants  of  the  hot-house  are  all  exposed  to  the  open 
air,  the  directions  will  include  both  months.  If  the  repot- 
ting is  over,  as  recommended  last  month,  all  the  attention 
they  will  require  until  the  end  of  August  is,  the  administer- 
ing of  water  at  the  roots,  and  by  the  syringe  overhead.  It 
will  be  impossible  to  say  how  great  are  their  wants,  these  de- 
pending entirely  upon  the  nature  of  the  plant,  the  situation, 
and  the  season ;  but  never  neglect  to  look  over  them  every 
evening,  and  after  dry  nights  they  will  need  a  fresh  supply  in 
the  morning,  observing  to  give  to  none  except  they  are  be- 
coming a  little  dry.     Make  weekly  examinations  for  insects 

»)fe!8!cc  Of-  Hortlculturs 


180  HOT-HOUSE — OF   PAINTIXG,    ETC.  [AKJUst. 

of  any  description,  and  when  they  appear,  have  them  instantly 
destroyed. 

Always  after  heavy  rains  look  over  the  pots,  in  case  watei 
should  be  standing  in  them,  vrhich  would  injure  the  roots. 
Where  any  is  found,  turn  the  pot  on  its  side,  and,  in  a  few 
hours,  examine  the  draining  which  is  defective;  small  pots  in 
continued  rains  should  be  turned  likewise. 

Tie  up  all  plants  and  shoots  to  prevent  them  from  being 
destroyed  by  the  wind,  and  be  attentive  to  pick  all  weeds 
from  the  pots.  Turn  round  all  the  plants  occasionally,  to 
prevent  them  from  being  drawn  to  one  side  by  the  sun  or 
light. 


AUGUST. 

The  plants  of  the  hot-house  that  were  repotted  in  May  and 
June,  according  to  the  directions  therein  given,  will,  at  pre- 
sent, be  in  an  excellent  state  of  health,  provided  they  have 
got  at  all  times  the  requisite  supplies  of  watering.  And  as 
we  already  have  been  very  explicit  on  that  subject,  more  re- 
marks now  would  be  merely  repetition. 


REPOTTING. 

K  any  of  the  repottings  were  neglected  during  May  or 
June,  let  it  be  done  about  the  first  of  this  month.  Let 
young  plants  that  are  growing  freely,  where  the  roots  have 
filled  the  pots,  and  the  plants  required  to  grow,  have  pots  one 
size  larger.  In  turning  out  the  ball  of  earth,  keep  it  entire, 
not  disturbing  any  of  the  roots. 


OP   PAINTING,   REPAIRING,  AND  CLEANSING  THE   HOUSE. 

The  necessary  repairs  of  the  hot-house  are  too  often  put 
off  to  the  last  day  or  week ;  and  then  with  hurry  are  superfi- 
cially attended  to.     Previous  to  the  first  of  September,  hav» 


September.']    HOT-HOUSE — OF   TAKING   IN    THE   PLANTS,    l&l 

all  the  wood-work  painted  (which  ought  to  have  one  coat  every 
two  years),  and  the  glass  all  neatly  repaired.  Have  the  flues 
and  furnace  examined ;  plaster  over  all  rents,  and  make  good 
every  deficiency.  Give  the  flue  a  thick  coat  of  lime  white- 
wash. Have  the  walls,  shelves,  and  staging  properly  painted. 
If  there  is  a  tan-bed,  have  that  renewed ;  take  out  what  is 
most  decayed,  using  two-thirds  new  tan,  which  must  be  dried 
at  least  three  days  in  the  sun  before  it  is  housed,  and  carefully 
protect  it  from  rains. 


SEPTEMBER. 

DRESSING   THE   PLANTS. 

Having  last  month  put  the  house  in  complete  ordei.  all 
that  remains  necessary  to  be  attended  to  is  the  state  of  che 
plants  and  pots,  which  should  be  regularly  examined;  md 
of  those  where  the  roots  fill  the  soil,  a  little  may  be  taken  off 
the  top,  supplying  its  place  with  fresh  earth,  thereby  giving 
what  is  called  a  top-dressing.  Give  each  that  requires  it  a 
sufficient  rod,  tying  the  plant  neatly  thereto;  minutely  scruti- 
nize each  for  insects,  and  where  they  are  detected,  have  them 
eradicated. 

Finally,  wash  all  contracted  foulness  from  off  the  pots,  at 
the  same  time  pick  off  any  decayed  leaves ;  thus  all  will  be  in 
perfect  order  to  take  into  the  house.  If  any  plants  have  been 
kept  in  the  hot-house  during  summer,  they  must  likewise  go 
through  the  same  operation. 


OP   TAKING  IN    THE   PLANTS. 

From  the  16th  to  the  24th,  according  to  the  season,  is 
the  proper  time  to  take  in  the  hot-house  plants.  It  is  pre- 
ferable to  have  them  what  might  be  deemed  a  few  days  toc> 
early,  than  have  them  in  the  slightest  degree  affected  by 
cold. 

Commence  by  housing  the  largest  first,  and  those  that  stand 
16 


182  HOT-HOUSE — OBSERVATIONS.  [^October. 

farthest  in  the  house,  observing  to  place  the  most  tender  sorts 
nearest  the  heat  or  warmest  part  of  the  house.  For  observa- 
tions on  them,  see  J/ay.  In  regard  to  arrangement,  that  must 
be  according  to  the  taste  of  the  operator.  We  may  observe, 
that  in  a  small  collection  it  is  better  to  have  them  in  a  regular 
than  in  a  picturesque  foi-m.  A  dry  shelf  is  indispensable  in 
this  department  for  placing  on  it  all  herbaceous  plants,  such 
as  Cdmia,  Hedj/chium,  Zhigiher,  Kampferia,  &c.,  the  water- 
ing of  which  by  this  time  should  be  gradually  suspended, 
that  they  may  have  their  required  cessation  to  make  them 
flower  well.  This  shelf  may  be  in  any  situation ;  one  in 
darkness,  where  other  plants  will  not  grow,  will  answer 
perfectly  well.  If  there  is  a  bark  bed,  do  not,  until  the  end 
of  December,  plunge  any  of  the  pots  therein.  If  any  plants 
of  the  Poinsettia  are  in  the  ground,  have  them  carefully 
lifted  and  shaded  from  the  sun. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

The  plants  being  now  all  under  protection,  they  muet 
have  as  much  air  as  possible  admitted  to  them  every  day,  by 
opening  the  doors,  front  and  top  sashes,  closing  only  at  night. 
The  syringings  must  be  continued,  and  care  taken  that  plants 
of  a  deciduous  or  herbaceous  nature  are  not  over-watered. 
The  tuberous  species  might  be  kept  almost  dry.  Some  prac- 
tical men  of  sound  science  repot  these  plants  in  this  month 
into  fresh  soil,  and  allow  them  to  stand  till  January  almost 
without  water.  We  have  never  adopted  this  method  with 
any  description  of  plants,  but  do  not  doubt  of  its  success  with 
that  genus. 

See  that  the  ropes  and  pulleys  of  the  sashes  are  in  good 
order,  and  fit  to  stand  all  winter. 


OCTOBER. 

Very  few  direc'^ions  remain  to  be  given  to  the  department 
of  the  hot-house.     The  supplies  of  water  for  this  and  the 


November.']  hot-House.  183 

two  succeeding  months  are,  according  to  the  state  and  na- 
ture of  tropical  plants,  more  limited  than  at  any  other  period 
of  the  year.  This  is  the  first  month  of  what  may  be  called 
their  dormant  state.  Observe  the  herbaceous  plants,  that 
they  are  set  aside  as  soon  as  their  foliage  decays,  in  case  of 
being  too  liberally  supplied  with  water.  Airing  is  highly 
essential  about  this  period,  that  the  plants  may  be  gradually 
hardened;  but  guard  against  injuring  them.  The  tempera- 
ture should  never  be  under  fifty  degrees  :  when  the  days  are 
cool,  and  the  wind  chilling,  airing  is  not  necessary;  and,  when 
air  is  admitted,  always  close  up  early  in  the  afternoon,  while 
the  atmosphere  is  warm,  to  supersede  the  necessity  of  fire  as 
long  as  possible.  If,  at  any  time,  you  have  recourse  to  it  in 
this  month,  use  it  with  great  caution. 

Examine  all  the  shutters  and  fastenings,  and  see  that  they 
are  in  good  substantial  order ;  and,  where  deficient,  repair 
them  instantly,  that  they  may  be  in  readiness.  Remove  all 
leaves,  and  give  syringings  in  the  morning  of  sunshine  days, 
twice  a  week.  Clear  ofi",  sweep  out,  and  wash  clean,  that 
every  part  may  be  in  the  neatest  order. 

The  succulent  tribe  will  not  require  water  more  than  once 
a  week,  or  once  in  two  weeks.  If  any  of  them  have  ripened 
seeds  during  summer,  wash  such  carefully  from  the  pulp, 
and  lay  them  past  till  the  first  of  January,  when  they  may 
be  sown  on  the  surface  of  sandy  soil,  and  gently  pressed 
down.  AYater  them  very  carefully  as  they  require  ;  cover 
the  pot  with  a  piece  or  pane  of  glass,  which  will  greatly 
assist  their  vegetating.  In  a  few  weeks  they  will  make  their 
appearance ;  and  when  they  are  one  quarter  of  an  inch  high, 
plant  them  out  into  other  pots  and  fresh  soil.  In  a  few 
months  they  will  make  wonderful  progress  in  growth,  and  in 
the  following  year,  will  require  to  be  potted  singly,  and  treated 
as  recommended  for  established  plants. 


NOVEMBER. 

The  essential   points  to  be  attended  to  in  the  hot-house 
earing  this  month  are,  Jire,  air,  and  water.      The  former 


184  HOT-HOUSE.  [^November 

must  be  applied  according  to  the  weather,  observing  not  to 
allow  the  temperature  to  be  under  fifty  degrees ;  and  it  ought 
not  to  continue  long  at  that  degree,  fifty-two  degrees  being 
preferable.  The  shutters  should  be  on  every  night  when 
there  is  any  appearance  of  frost,  and  taken  off  early  in  the 
morning.  Admit  air  in  small  portions  every  day  that  the 
sun  has  any  effect  and  the  atmosphere  mild,  observing  that 
the  temperature  of  the  house  be  above  sixty  degrees  pre- 
vious to  admission.  Shut  all  close  early  in  the  afternoon,  or 
vhen  any  sudden  changes  occur. 


OF   A   CISTERN   AND   WATER. 

In  watering,  it  is  important  to  have  the  water  of  the 
same  temperature  in  this  department  as  the  roots  of  the 
plants.  To  have  this,  there  are  two  kinds  of  cisterns  or 
tanks  that  might  be  adopted ;  one  may  be  sunk  in  the  house 
under  ground,  either  closely  plastered,  or  lined  with  lead, 
and  neatly  covered  up,  having  a  small  perpendicular  pump 
therein,  or  placed  so  that  the  water  could  be  lifted  by  hand. 
The  other  might,  where  convenience  will  admit,  be  placed 
over  the  furnace,  either  in  the  back  shed,  or  inside  of  the 
house,  and  the  water  could  be  drawn  off  this  by  a  stop-cock. 
These  can  be  supplied,  in  part,  with  rain  water,  by  having 
spouts  round  the  house  to  lead  into  the  cistei'ns,  supplying 
any  deficiency  from  the  pump.  Thus  water  of  a  congenial 
temperature  may  be  always  at  hand,  which  is  of  great  im- 
portance to  the  healthful  constitution  of  the  plants.  The 
water  must  now  be  given  in  moderate  portions,  examining  the 
plants  every  day.  Be  careful  in  watering  bulbs,  as  the 
smallest  supply  is  sufficient  for  them  at  present.  Succulents 
will  require  a  little  every  two  weeks,  except  they  are  over  the 
flues,  when  they  may  have  some  every  week. 

Constantly  clear  off  all  decayed  leaves,  and  carry  them  out 
of  the  house,  which  sweep  and  wash  clean,  and  keep  all  in  the 
neatest  order. 


December.']         HOT- house — of  shutters.  185 


DECEMBER. 

The  uncertainty  of  the  weather  in  this  month  requires 
the  operator  to  be  constantly  on  guard,  to  ward  off  danger, 
either  from  frost,  snow,  or  cutting  winds.  The  temperature 
observed  last  month  must  be  continued,  but  not  exceeded, 
which  would  cause  premature  vegetation,  of  which  the  result 
and  effects  have  already  been  observed.  Always  kindle  the 
fires  in  time,  to  prevent  the  heat  from  being  lower  than  what 
has  been  mentioned,  lest  a  severe  frost  should  take  place,  as 
then  a  considerable  lapse  ensues  before  the  fire  has  any  effect ; 
and  if  the  wind  blows  high,  the  result  might  be  injurious, 
unless  the  house  be  very  close. 


OF   SHUTTERS. 

The  benefit  of  these  in  severe  weather  is  of  material 
service,  for  the  preservation  of  an  even  temperature  in  the 
house  during  the  night,  when  changes  are  not  observed ;  but 
they  ought  never  to  remain  on  through  the  day,  when  the  fire 
can  be  properly  attended  to.  If  the  front  and  the  lowest  sash 
of  the  roof  are  covered  with  those,  it  is  generally  sufficient. 
They  should  be  made  of  three-quarter  inch  boards,  closely 
grooved  together,  having  a  cross-bar  in  the  centre,  and  one  at 
each  end  and  each  side,  which  will  make  them  substantial. 
If  they  are  frequently  painted  with  care,  they  will  last  many 
years.  Snow  ought  not  to  be  allowed  to  lay  on  these  while 
they  are  on  the  glass,  for  reasons  that  we  have  assigned. 
See  January/  and  February. 

Some  adopt  double  panes  of  glass  to  supersede  the  use  of 
shutters,  which  they  think  are  attended  with  considerable 
labour  (at  the  most  only  fifteen  minutes  a  day,  while  ?n  use.) 

The  sash  frame  is  made  a  little  deeper,  so  as  to  allow  half 
an  inch  between  the  panes  of  glass.  The  one  is  glazed  from 
the  out  and  the  other  from  the  inside.  It  appears  to  answer 
the  purpose  tolerably  well,  but  the  glass  must  be  both  fine 
and  even  on  the  surface,  lest  a  lens  should  be  produced, 
which  would  scourge  the  plants.  We  are  almost  confident 
that  we  have  seen  this  effect  in  some  instances.  There  must 
16* 


186  HOT-HOUSE — AIR  PLANTS.  [^December. 

be  a  small  hole  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch  in  both  ends 
of  each  row  of  glass,  to  allow  a  current  to  dry  up  the 
moisture  that  may  arise.  Double  sashes  during  the  severe 
months  are  frequently  used ;  but  shutters  are  preferable  to 
either. 


OF   PLACING   BULBS,    ETC.,   IN   THE   HOT-HOUSE. 

If  any  Hi/acinths  or  other  Dutch  roots  are  wanted  to 
flower  early,  a  few  of  them  may  be  put  in  the  hot-house 
near  the  front  glass,  which  will  greatly  tend  to  forward  their 
time  of  flowering.  By  having  some  brought  in  every  two 
weeks,  a  continued  succession  of  bloom  will  be  kept  up. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

If  there  is  a  tan-bed  in  the  house,  and  it  was  renewed  in 
September,  the  pots  should  now  be  half  plunged  therein. 
The  violent  heat  will  partly  be  over,  and  the  plants  are  not 
so  liable  to  suff"er  at  root  in  this  as  last  month.  It  will  in 
part  prevent  the  plants  from  being  afiected  by  sudden  changes 
of  temperature.  Be  attentive  in  keeping  all  insects  com- 
pletely under.  This  is  the  period  that  these  are  most 
neglected,  but  by  attending  to  the  modes  of  their  destruction, 
as  already  given,  no  species  of  them  will  either  be  hurtful 
or  unsightly.  Syringe  the  plants  about  twice  a  week,  and 
always  remember  that  decayed  leaves  or  litter  of  any  descrip- 
tion, do  not  beautify  healthy  plants,  neither  do  they  form  a 
part  of  a  well-kept  hot-house. 


ORCHIDEOUS    EPIPHYTES   OR   AIR   PLANTS. 

Before  we  close  the  hot-house  subject,  it  may  be  interest- 
ing to  some  of  our  readers  to  know  the  nature  and  character 
of  a  few  of  the  most  desirable  of  those  tropical  parasites  that 
have  within  these  few  years  caused  so  much  excitement  in 
Europe.  In  several  instauces,  houses  upward  of  two  hundred 
feet  long  have  been  erected  for  their  exclusive  culture,  and 
unless  they  do  thus  have  an  apartment  adapted  to  their  na- 


December.']  HOT-HOUSE — AIR  PLANTS.  187 

turc,  no  success  will  attend  their  cultivation.  They  grow 
only  in  a  very  humid  atmosphere,  kept  at  a  temperature  of 
from  60°  to  80°,  and  also  in  a  partially  shaded  situation :  it 
is  only  under  such  treatment  that  we  have  had  any  prosperity 
in  bloomiug  these  peculiarly  beautiful  and  interesting  plants. 
Annexed  are  the  names  of  a  few  that  are  of  the  easiest  culture 
and  most  profuse  of  flower  : — 

Brdssia  maculdta,  greenish  yellow,  spotted  with  purple. 

Catasetum  trijidum,  greenish  yellow,  spotted  with  dark 
brown. 

Cdttleya  crispa,  white  and  purple,  and  is  considered  a  superb 
plant. 

Cdttleya  lahidta,  rose  and  rich  purple,  striped  and  spotted 
with  carmine. 

Cdttleya  Forbesii,  yellow,  white,  green,  and  rose-coloured, 
fine. 

Dendrobiuni  cucidlaium,  rose  and  pale  yellow. 

Dendrbbium  speciosum,  pale  yellow  flowers,  in  great  profu- 
sion. 

Epidendrum  cucullatum,  dark  brown,  with  yellow,  is  a  very 
constant  bloomer. 

Gongora  atropurpurea,  dark  purple ;  the  plant  must  be  sus- 
pended in  a  pot  or  small  box. 

Gongora  specidsa,  yellow,  with  black  spots. 

MaxiUdria  Loddgesii,  orange  flowers  in  long  racemes. 

Maxilldria  picta,  yellow,  beautifully  spotted  with  red  and 
crimson ;  it  is  in  the  mornings  only  delightfully  fra- 
grant. 

Onc\dium  crispum,  brownish  copper  colour,  and  profuse 
flowering. 

Oncidiiwi  papilio,  bright  yellow,  spotted  with  rich  brown. 

Oncidium  luridum,  flowers  of  a  brownish-green. 

Rendnthera  coccinea,  a  very  superb  scarlet  flowering  plant, 
but  does  not  bloom  very  freely;  it  grows  in  moss, 
and  must  be  suspended  in  a  pot  or  tied  to  a  piece  of 
stick. 

StanTibp)ia  grandifibra,  has  delicate,  white,  sweet-scented 
flowers. 

Stanhbpia  insignis,  yellow  and  white,  spotted  with  purple, 

and  delightfully  fragrant. 
Vanda  Roxbilrghn,  flowers  pale  yellow. 


188  HOT-HOUSE — AIR  PLANTS.  \_Dectmber. 

Zygdpetalums,  all  very  beautiful  flowering,  generally  of  a  yel- 
lowish green  coloui*,  spotted  with  brown.  They  re- 
quire to  be  kept  in  a  hot  dry  atmosphere. 

OrcMdeous  epiphytes  generally  grow  upon  trees,  in  the 
recesses  of  damp  tropical  forests,  establishing  themselves  in 
the  forks  of  the  branches,  and  even  upon  rocks,  stones,  or 
decayed  trees.  Shade,  therefore,  is  essential  to  their  welfare  j 
Eonsequently,  never  permit  them  to  be  exposed  to  violent 
sunshine.  They  require  but  little  water  at  the  roots,  pro- 
vided the  atmosphere  they  grow  in  is  very  humid.  The  best 
5oil  for  them  is  a  sandy,  turfy  peat,  containing  a  large  por- 
tion of  fibrous  matter;  mix  with  this  pieces  of  pot-shreds  or 
cork,  and  be  careful  not  to  place  the  plant  deep  in  the  pot; 
they  will  also  grow  on  blocks  or  sticks  of  wood.  Although 
we  use  and  prefer  small  boxes  (about  six  inches  square)  made 
of  cork,  in  which  they  grow  finely  and  bloom  profusely. 
With  some  of  the  strong-growing  kinds,  we  use,  in  addition 
to  the  above  soil,  a  little  leaf-mould,  using  always  plenty  of 
drainage.  The  house  we  cultivate  them  in  has  an  eastern 
aspect.  Shade  can  easily  be  given  to  them  by  having  creepers 
trained  up  the  rafters  of  the  house,  or  an  occasional  large 
plant,  placed  in  such  a  situation  as  will  afford  most  shade 
during  mid-day;  and  it  must  be  observed,  that,  although  the 
plants  are  fond  of  moisture,  they  never  thrive,  except  tho 
water  has  a  free  passage  from  their  roots. 


THE 

AMERICAN  FLOWER-GARDEN 
DIRECTORY. 


GREEN-HOUSE. 

ON    THE   CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   GREEN-HOUSE. 

In  many  respects,  the  consti'uction  of  the  G-reen-house 
will  be  the  same  as  the  Hot-house,  but  might  be  made  much 
more  an  ornamental  object,  and  could  be  erected  contiguous 
to  the  mansion-house,  with  large  folding-doors  to  open  at 
pleasure,  and  be  connected  with  the  drawing-room  or  parlour. 
The  extent  may  vary  according  to  the  collection  to  be  culti- 
vated. 

It  was  formerly  the  practice  to  build  these  houses  with  glass 
only  in  front,  and  even  to  introduce  between  the  windows 
strong  piers  of  brick  or  stone ;  but  this  is  now  abolished,  and 
has  given  way  to  a  more  light  and  ornamental  style,  by  which 
cheerfulness  and  the  desired  utility  are  better  consulted. 
There  should  be  conveniences  for  the  admission  of  air  in  the 
highest  part  of  the  house,  that  a  free  current  may  be  obtained 
whenever  desired,  wh'ch  is  an  essential  point. 

(189) 


190  GREEN-HOUSE.  [January. 


GREEN-HOUSE. 


JANUARY. 

This  compartment  requires  particular  attention,  in  order 
to  preserve  the  plants  in  good  health,  and  carry  them  through 
this  precarious  season  of  the  year.  A  little  air  nnist  be  ad- 
mitted at  all  convenient  times.  An  hour  or  two  at  mid-day 
will  be  of  the  utmost  importance  in  drying  up  damp  and 
clearing  off  stagnated  air,  which  is  a  harbour  for  every  corrup- 
tion. The  top  sashes  being  let  down  or  turned  a  few  inches, 
in  mild  days  (that  is,  when  there  are  not  high  and  cutting 
winds),  from  ten  or  eleven  o'clock  to  two  or  three,,  according 
to  the  intensity  of  the  frost,  will  renovate  the  interior  air  of 
the  house  and  harden  the  plants.  When  the  weather  will 
permit,  let  the  front  sashes  be  opened  about  one  inch  or 
more.  An  assiduous,  experienced  hand  will  never  omit  an 
opportunity. 

With  regard  to  fire  heat,  the  temperature  must  be  regulated 
to  suit  the  nature  of  the  plants  in  a  general  sense  ;  so  let  the 
mercury,  or  spirits  of  wine,  of  Fahrenheit's  thermometer,  be 
from  35°  to  50° ;  if  it  begins  to  fall,  give  a  little  fire  heat. 
No  doubt  we  have  seen  the  thermometer  much  lower  in  the 
green-house  than  the  above,  even  as  low  as  24°  without  any 
immediate  injury;  but  it  was  in  an  extensive  collection,  where 
the  most  hardy  of  the  plants  were  selected  into  one  house. 
Many  boast  how  little  fire  they  give  their  green-house,  and 
how  cold  it  is  kept,  not  observing  the  miserable  state  of  their 
plants — inexperience  causing  them  to  think  that  the  least  fire 
heat  will  make  them  grow,  and  would  rather  look  on  naked 
stems  than  healthy  plants.  The  above  temperature  will  not, 
in  exotics,  cause  premature  vegetation,  but  will  cause  the 
plants  to  retain  the  foliage  requisite  to  vegetative  nature.  A 
high  temperature  is  not  necessary  for  the  generality  of  green- 
house plants ;  on  the  contrary,  it  might  very  much  injure 
them 


# 


January.']  GREEN-HOUSE — camellia  japonica.  191 


or  watering. 

In  this  month  very  little  is  requisite,  and  must  be  given 
*vith  great  caution.  Few  plants  will  require  much  and  some 
aardly  any ;  but  all  must  be  attended  to,  and  have  their  wants 
supplied.  Some  will  need  it  twice,  some  once  a  week,  and 
some  in  two  weeks,  according  to  their  shrubby  and  woody 
nature.  Herbaceous  and  deciduous  plants  will  j^ldom  need 
water.  Perhaps,  from  the  shedding  of  the  foliage  to  the  com- 
mencement of  vegetation,  three  .or  four  times  will  be  sufficient. 
Particular  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  state  of  health  and 
of  growth,  in  which  the  plants  respectively  are,  in  the  appli- 
cation of  water :  otherwise  much  mischief  may  be  done,  and 
many  entirely  ruined. 

G-reen-house  plants  being  now  in  an  absolutely  inactive 
state,  require  a  little  more  water  than  merely  to  keep  the  earth 
about  their  roots  from  becoming  perfectly  dry,  by  occasionally 
applying  a  very  small  quantity  at  the  root ;  and,  if  done  with 
a  watering-pot,  as  described  under  this  head  in  the  hot-house 
of  this  month,  very  little  will  be  spilt  in  the  house  to  increase 
dampness,  which  if  it  does  appear,  by  any  of  the  leaves  of 
the  plants  becoming  musty,  they  must  be  instantly  picked  off; 
and,  if  it  increases,  give  a  little  fire  and  air.  Succulent  plants 
will  not  need  any  water  during  this  month,  unless  omitted  in 
December. 


camellia  japonica. 

This  magnificent  and  attractive  flower,  with  all  its  splendid 
varieties,  will,  about  this  time,  begin  to  open  its  beautiful 
flowers.  But  for  this  admired  genus  of  plants,  our  green- 
houses at  this  season  would  be  void  of  allurement.  It  is,  in 
this  country,  subject  to  the  red  spider,  and  more  especially 
in  this  city,  which  appears  to  be  from  the  nature  of  the  air. 
The  effects  of  the  spider  on  these  plants,  if  not  prevented, 
would  prove  fatal ;  as,  from  appearances,  many  have  died  by 
it  in  several  collections.  If  it  has  reached  a  great  extent, 
the  leaves  are  brownish,  having  the  appearance  of  being  de- 
cayed or  scorched  with  the  sun.     In  taking  hold  of  the  leaf 


192  GREEN-HOUSE — OF  CAPE  BULBS,  ETC.    [January. 

it  feels  soft,  and  altogether  seems  to  have  lost  its  nutritive  sub« 
stance ;  and  when  the  young  foliage  expands,  it  becomes 
covered  with  dark  brown  spots,  and  finally  very  much  dis- 
figured ;  and  when  in  this  state  the  red  spider  is  severe,  and, 
ultimately,  death  ensues. 

If  any  of  the  plants  are  affected  as  above  described,  take  a 
sponge,  and  wash  every  leaf  minutely  with  soft  water,  and 
syringe  them  with  water  three  or  four  times  a  week,  which 
will  clean  them.  All  the  young  foliage  will  be  healthy,  and 
that  which  Jjas  been  affected  will  fall  off;  however,  prevention 
is  better  than  cure ;  and  if  the  Camellias  are  properly  syringed 
every  evening  during  summer,  p,nd  once  or  twice  a  week  during 
winter,  they  will  never  be  subject  to  the  ravages  of  that  de- 
structive insect. 

Tie  up  any  of  the  flowers  that  are  expanded,  to  stakes, 
in  case  of  accident ;  and,  in  syringing,  observe  not  to  let  any 
water  fall  on  the  flowers,  as  it  causes  premature  decay  and 
change  of  colour. 


OF   ORANGES,   LEMONS,   ETC. 

As  there  will  perhaps  be  more  leisure  in  the  green-house 
this  month  than  in  any  other  during  the  winter,  it  is  pre- 
sumed that  there  will  not  be  a  moment  lost.  If  ^ny  of  the 
trees  are  infested  with  insects,  these,  being  now  in  their  in- 
active state,  may  be  more  easily  destroyed  than  at  any  other 
time.  It  is  the  brown  scaly  insect  that  generally  infests 
them.  For  treatment,  .see  Hot-liouse,  January.  The  plant 
or  tree  after  being  washed,  before  it  becomes  dry,  will  re- 
quire to  be  syringed  with  water,  otherwise  the  dust  will  ad- 
here to  the  glutinous  particles  of  the  soap.  Set  the  plant  in 
an  airy  situation  to  dry,  in  case  of  damp.  There  are  several 
others  subject  to  this  insect,  such  as  Myrtles,  Oleas,  Olean- 
ders, &c.,  which  treat  in  the  same  manner.  Be  careful  that 
these  trees  are  not  over-watered;  if  the  soil  is  moist,  it  is 
sufficient. 

OP   CAPE   BULBS,    ETC. 

If  tnere  are  any  out  of  the  ground,  it  is  time  that  the 
whole    were    potted,    such    as    Lachendlia,    Wachenddrjia, 


February/.'}  green-house.  193 

Eucomis,  Ixia,  Gladiolus,  with  several  others.  Keep  them 
in  the  shade  until  they  begin  to  grow ;  then  put  them  on 
shelves  near  the  light.  Those  that  are  growing  must  be  kept 
in  front  of  the  house,  to  prevent  them  being  weak.  Waclien- 
dorfia  has  a  beautiful  large  red  tuberous  root,  and  requires  a 
pot  about  six  or  seven  inches  deep. 


OF   HYACINTHS   AND   OTHER  BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

All  these  roots  must  be  carefully  examined.  In  case  slugs 
or  snails  are  preying  upon  the  embryo  of  the  flower,  some  of 
those  that  are  farthest  advanced  may  be  put  for  a  few  weeks 
in  the  hot-house.  It  will  greatly  accelerate  their  flowering  j 
but  they  must  be  brought  out  again  before  the  florets  expand, 
and  carefully  tied  up,  leaving  room  for  the  increase  and  ex- 
tension of  the  flower-stem.  Grive  them  plenty  of  water,  and 
if  saucers  can  be  placed  under  them  to  retain  it,  it  will  be  of 
advantage.  Change  the  water  every  week  on  those  that  are 
in  glasses,  and  keep  all  the  growing  bulbs  near  the  light. 
Narcissusj  Jonquils,  &c.,  may  be  similarly  treated. 


FEBKUARY. 

The  directions  given  last  month  respecting  the  airing  and 
temperature  of  the  house,  may  still  be  followed,  difi"ering  only 
in  admitting  air  more  freely  as  the  season  advances,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  power  the  sun  has  on  the  glass,  which  now 
begins  to  be  considerable. 

If  the  weather  is  tolerably  mild,  air  may  be  admitted  in 
time  of  sunshine,  so  as  to  keep  the  mercury  as  low  as  50°, 
but  be  cautious  in  cold,  cloudy,  frosty  weather.  It  is  a  prac- 
tice with  many  in  such  weather  to  keep  the  shutters  on  the 
house  night  and  day  for  the  space  of  a  week,  and  sometimes 
more,  never  entering  it ;  and,  when  the  weather  has  induced 
them  to  look  in,  they  find  that  the  frost  and  damp  have  made 
many  lifeless  subjects ;  whereas,  had  the  house  and  plants 
17 


194  GREEN-HOUSE — OP   CAPE   BULBS,  ETC.    \^Fehr%iari/ 

been  attended  to,  in  taking  off  the  shutters,  and  giving  a 
little  fire  when  requisite,  all  would  have  been  in  safety,  and 
many  plants,  that  cannot  be  replaced,  still  in  the  collec- 
tion. 

When  watering,  strictly  adhere  to  the  direction  of  last 
month,  except  with  Geraniums,  and  other  soft-wooded  plants, 
which  require  a  little  more  water  towards  the  end  of  the 
month.  If  the  days  are  mild  and  sunny  about  eight  or  nine 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  all  the  plants  would  be  benefited  by 
a  gentle  syringing,  which  retards  the  progress  of  insects,  and 
accelerates  vegetation. 

Succulents,  such  as  Cactus,  MesemhrT/dnthemum,  Aloes, 
Furcrceas,  Crdssulas,  Cotyledons,  &c.,  will  very  seldom  need 
water ;  at  the  same  time  keep  them  from  getting  as  dry  as 
powder. 


OF   ORANGES,    LEMONS,    ETC. 

Similar  treatment  to  that  recommended  last  month  will 
do  for  this.  Where  the  soil  in  the  tubs  or  pots  requires  to 
be  enriched,  take  of  bone-dust  or  shavings,  and  fresh  sheep 
dung,  equal  quantities ;  put  the  mixture  into  a  large  tub  or 
barrel,  until  one-third  full;  and  fill  it  up  with  water.  Stir 
it  well  two  or  three  times  every  day  till  it  ferments,  then 
give  each  tree  one  good  watering  with  the  compound.  Con- 
tinue to  mix  up  afresh,  and  let  it  stand  another  week,  and 
so  on  until  all  the  trees  requiring  it  are  watered.  This 
■watering  will  greatly  enrich  the  soil  and  invigorate  the 
roots. 


OP   CAPE   BULBS,    ETC. 

The  bulbs  of  Ferrdria  undulata,  and  F.  antlierbsa,  that 
were  taken  out  of  the  pots  in  October,  will  now  require  to 
be  planted.  Five-inch  pots  will  be  large  enough  for  good 
roots.  The  grand  criterion  for  planting  bulbs  is  when  there 
is  a  protuberant  appearance  about  the  bottom,  or  root  pari 
of  the  bulb,  showing  by  a  principle  of  nature  the  true  time 
for  transplanting.  When  bulbous  roots  of  any  description 
appear  above  ground,  they  ought  to  be  placed  in  an  airy 


February.']  GREEN-HOUSE — CAMELLIA   JAPONICA.  195 

situation.  They  are  very  frequently  placed  under  other 
plants  by  the  inexperienced,  until  they  show  their  flowers, 
and  then  brought  to  the  light,  having  weak  flowers,  and  com- 
paratively of  momentary  existence. 

Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  Gladiolus,  Ixia,  &c.,  having  flower- 
stems,  ought  to  have  support,  to  prevent  accident,  especially 
the  two  former ;  keep  them  nigh  the  glass,  and  water  freely. 
Change  the  water  regularly  once  or  twice  a  week  in  the  bulb 
glasses,  observing  that  their  roots  are  never  allowed  to  become 
matted  with  fetid  water.  Any  of  the  above  plants  that  are 
in  flower  might,  if  desired,  be  taken  into  the  drawing-room  or 
parlour,  washing  the  pots  clean,  and  putting  saucers  under 
them,  keeping  therein  a  little  water.  Twice  a  week  the  de- 
cayed ones  can  be  taken  out,  and  supplanted  with  those  that 
are  coming  into  bloom. 


CAMELLIA  JAPONICA 

Will,  in  this  month,  show  a  profusion  of  flowers;  and, 
where  there  is  a  variety,  they  have  truly  a  magnificent  ap- 
pearance. From  a  good  selection,  endless  varieties,  by  seed, 
of  exquisite  beauty,  might  be  obtained  by  attention  to  the 
following  rule  :  The  best  to  select  for  bearing  seed  are,  Car- 
nea,  Donkelaari,  Ruhricaulis,  Tricolour,  Ki7ig,  and  Wara- 
tah,  and,  in  many  instances,  the  pistil,  or  pistillum  of  Varie- 
gata,  Regalis,  Alexina,  and  Miss  Percival  are  perfect,  with 
several  others.  When  any  of  the  above  are  newly  expanded 
(  Waratah  is  most  perfect  about  one  day  before  full  expansion), 
take  a  fine  camel-hair  pencil,  and  put  it  gently  on  the  farina 
or  pollen,  from  the  double  sorts,  which  is  a  yellow  substance 
on  the  anthers,  and,  when  ripe,  appears  in  thousands  of 
small  particles.  Then,  with  this  on  the  pencil,  dust  it  lightly 
on  the  stile  of  those  intended  to  carry  seed.  Between  the 
hours  of  ten  and  twelve  in  the  forenoon  is  the  most  propex 
time  for  the  operation ;  the  seed  will  be  ripe  in  September  or 
October,  which  will  be  taken  notice  of,  and  directions  given. 
For  other  particulars  on  cleaning  and  syringing,  see  January 
under  this  head. 


196  GREEN-HOUSE — OF  SHIFTING,  ETC.    [February 


OF    SHIFTING,    ETC. 

The  best  time  to  re-pot  Camellias  is  in  September  or 
October.  The  most  general  time  in  shifting  Camellias  is  in 
August,  indiscriminately  with  other  plants  j  and,  if  then 
not  very  gently  handled,  bad  roots  eventually  are  produced. 
Frequently  very  fine  plants  have  been  killed  by  probing,  and 
breaking  the  young  fibrous  roots,  thus  causing  mortification. 

In  the  process,  do  not,  by  any  means,  break  or  bruise  any 
of  the  roots;  and  do  not  give  large  pots  with  the  idea  of 
making  them  grow  fast ;  it  acts  on  most  plants  diametrically 
opposite  to  what  is  intended.  A  pot  one  or  two  inches 
wider  and  deeper  than  the  one  they  have  been  in  previously, 
is  sufficient.  Healthy  plants,  under  five  feet,  will  not  require 
shifting  oftener  than  once  in  two  years ;  from  five  feet  up- 
ward, in  three  or  four  years,  according  to  the  health  of  the 
plants.  This  treatment,  in  the  opinion  of  some,  will  appear 
insufficient  for  their  support :  it  will  be  found  enough  with  a 
top-dressing  every  year  to  keep  them  in  a  healthy  flowering 
condition,  the  soil  being  according  to  our  description. 

On  turning  the  plant  out  of  the  pot,  it  may  easily  be  ob- 
served if  the  soil  has,  in  any  degree,  been  congenial  to  it ;  for, 
if  so,  the  roots  will  be  growing  all  round  the  ball ;  if  other- 
wise, no  roots  will  appear. 

Therefore,  with  a  blunt-pointed  stick,  probe  away  all  the 
bad  earth  until  you  come  to  the  roots ;  then  put  the  plant  in 
a  pot  about  one  inch  in  diameter  larger  than  the  combined 
roots,  previously  putting  a  few  small  pieces  of  broken  pots,  or 
clean  gravel,  to  drain  off  the  superabundant  moisture,  and 
give  light  waterings,  as  the  roots  in  this  case  will  grow  but 
slowly. 

Top-dress  all  that  do  not  require  shifting,  probe  out  the  soil 
down  to  the  roots,  and  by  the  side  of  the  pot,  taking  care  not 
to  break  the  fibres;  then  fill  up  with  fresh  earth,  watering 
gently  with  a  rose  on  the  watering-pot  to  settle  it. 


March.']  GREEN-HOUSE.  197 


OF   CLEANING,   ETC. 

If  any  of  the  plants  require  cleaning,  either  by  fumigation 
or  otherwise,  let  it  be  done  before  the  young  foliage  appears, 
according  to  the  directions  heretofore  given.  Likewise  tie 
neatly  all  that  require  it,  clean  and  top-dress  those  that  will 
not  be  shifted,  having  every  plant,  and  all  in  the  green-house, 
in  perfect  order  before  the  throng  of  spring  commences.  The 
weather  will  now  admit,  in  very  fine  mornings,  of  the  plants 
being  syringed,  which  may  be  done  between  seven  and  eight 
o'clock;  and  the  path  or  pavement  should  be  washed  out  once 
a  week,  which  is  a  great  improvement  to  the  appearance  of 
the  whole  interior. 

In  winter,  when  any  glass  is  broken  it  should  be  imme- 
diately mended.  Brokrn  glass  in  cold  nights  causes  a  very 
destructive  current  of  air.  It  should  always  be  made  water- 
tight, for  if  the  drops  fall  into  the  pots  upon  the  roots,  they 
will  frequently  prove  fatal  to  the  plants ;  therefore  care  ought 
to  be  taken  during  rain  to  remove  thdse  that  stand  in  any 
manner  exposed. 


MARCH. 

The  plants  in  this  compartment  will  begin  to  assume  a 
diflferent  aspect,  and  air  must  be  admitted  every  day  if  practi- 
cable, giving  large  portions  in  sunshine  by  the  sashes  regu- 
larly over  all  the  house,  opening  those  of  the  front  a  little, 
and  likewise  the  doors  in  fine  mild  days.  To  perform  this 
judiciously,  give  a  little  about  eight  or  nine  o'clock,  more  at 
ten,  and  the  whole  from  eleven  till  twelve  o'clock,  shutting 
again  by  degrees. 

Fire  heat  will  now  be  dispensed  with,  but  in  frosty  nights 
have  the  shutters  on  about  sundown.  The  sun  is  now  power- 
ful, and  the  house  can  be  early  shut  up  in  the  afternoon,  and 
will  gain  as  much  natural  heat  as  will  keep  up  the  required 
temperature,  viz.,  36°  to  45°.  Perhaps  there  may  be  uncom- 
17* 


198  GREEN-HOUSE — OF   ORANGES,  ETC.  \_March 

monly  cold  weather :  at  such  times  be  attentive  to  ward  off 
danger  by  applying  artificial  heat. 


OE   WATERING. 

Look  over  the  pots  and  tubs  at  least  every  alternate  day, 
to  see  where  water  is  wanted.  In  watering,  too  much 
caution  cannot  be  used,  especially  during  winter  and  the 
commencement  of  spring.  It  was  observed  last  month  what 
would  be  the  effect  of  too  much  water.  It  may  be  remarked, 
that  if  the  exterior  of  the  pot  is  very  damp,  the  soil  inside  is 
too  wet,  and  in  that  state,  is  uncongenial  to  vegetation,  which 
now  begins  to  start,  and  ought,  by  all  possible  means,  to  be 
encouraged,  which  we  do  very  effectually  with  Guano  water 
once  a  week,  for  a  few  weeks,  using  about  one  pound  to  five 
gallons  of  water,  allowing  it  to  stand  twenty-four  hours,  and 
stir  it  up  before  using.  If  you  are  troubled  with  worms  in 
the  pots,  give  one  or  two  waterings  with  lime-water,  one 
pound  of  lime  in  four  gallons  of  water;  allow  it  to  stand 
twelve  hours  to  settle,  pour  the  clear  water  into  another 
vessel,  and  use  it  only.  People  may  be  frequently  observed 
watering  all  plants  indiscriminately,  not  taking  the  trouble  to 
look  into  or  feel  the  state  of  the  soil  in  the  pots  or  tubs,  and 
thus,  by  going  over  them  three  or  four  times  in  this  manner, 
will  be  sufficient  to  put  the  plants  in  such  a  state  that  they 
will  not  be  recruited  for  some  months.  Hence  the  reason  of 
so  many  sickly  plants. 

Camellias,  where  there  are  collections,  will  continue  to 
flower.  Treat  them  according  to  the  directions  given  last 
month. 


ORANGES,    LEMONS,    ETC. 

Be  sure  they  are  not  too  wet,  as  too  much  humidity  as 
well  as  aridity  causes  their  foliage  to  have  a  yellow  appear- 
ance, with  this  difference,  that  in  the  former  case  the  foliage 
is  the  same  to  the  touch  as  when  green  ;  but  in  the  latter,  it 
is  soft  and  dry.  We  have  observed  trees  in  tubs  and  half- 
barrels,  with  holes  all  round  their  sides.  This  is  a  ludicrous 
idea,  having  the  appearance  of  keeping  the  water  from  reach- 


March.l  GREEN-HOUSE — GERANIUMS.  199 

ing  the  bottom  of  the  tub  or  barrel.  For  the  best  kind  of  tub 
for  large  trees,  see  August  under  this  head.  If  any  of  the 
trees  have  stunted,  straggling,  or  irregular  heads  about  the 
end  of  this  month  or  beginning  of  nest,  head  or  cut  them 
down  to  the  shape  desired.  The  old  wood  will  push  fresh 
shoots.  You  may  cut  close,  or  shorten  less  or  more,  according 
as  you  desire  young  shoots  to  arise ;  at  the  same  time  obsei've 
that  you  do  not  cut  below  the  graft  or  inoculation.  Trees 
thus  headed  down  should  be  kept  until  May,  and  then  planted 
in  the  garden  (see  May),  or,  if  that  cannot  be  done,  turn  it 
out,  and  reduce  the  ball  of  earth  by  probing  with  a  pointed 
stick  all  round  the  sides  and  bottom  of  the  ball,  cutting  off 
any  very  matted  roots.  If  any  of  the  roots  are  decayed,  cut 
them  into  the  sound  wood.  By  being  thus  reduced,  it  will 
go  into  the  same  pot  or  tub,  if  not  a  less  one.  Having  a  good 
supply  of  fresh  earth  ready,  put  a  few  inches  in  the  bottom  of 
the  pot  or  tub,  place  the  tree  therein,  and  fill  all  around,  at 
the  same  time  pressing  it  down  with  the  hand  or  a  stick.  Give 
very  little  water  until  there  are  signs  of  vegetation. 


MYRTLES,   OLEANDERS,   ETC. 

These,  with  similar  exotics,  may  be  treated  as  above.  If 
any  of  them  have  been  infected  with  the  scaly  insect,  after 
heading  down,  &c.,  scrub  the  remaining  stems  with  a  strong 
decoction  of  tobacco,  heated  to  about  100°.  Afterward  clean 
with  soap  and  water. 


GERANIUMS. 

These  will  be  growing  freely.  Keep  them  in  airy  situations, 
so  that  they  may  not  grow  too  weak,  and  flower  imperfectly. 
To  flower  these  plants,  strong  and  of  good  colour,  they  must 
not  be  crowded  together,  neither  far  from  the  light,  and  have 
plenty  of  air  admitted  to  them  when  the  weather  is  favourable. 
Keep  them  free  from  the  green-fly,  by  fumigating  frequently. 


200  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [March. 


HERBACEOUS   PLANTS. 


Plants  of  this  character  will,  bj  the  first  of  the  month,  begin 
to  grow.  The  best  time  to  divide  and  fresh-pot  them  is  when 
the  young  shoots  are  about  one  inch  above  ground.  See  under 
the  head  Shifting  in  this  month. 


OP  CAPE   BULBS,   ETC. 

Cape  Bulbs,  such  as  Lachendlias,  Oxalis,  Ixias,  Gladi- 
olus, Watsbnias,  Bahidnas,  &c.,  will,  in  many  of  the  species, 
be  showing  flower.  Keep  all  of  them  near  the  glass,  to  pre- 
vent them  from  being  weak  and  unsightly. 

Hyaciiitlis,  Tulips,  Narcissus,  &c. — Those  that  have  been 
kept  in  the  green-house  during  winter  will  be  in  great  per- 
fection. Have  all  the  flower-stems  tied  up  neatly  to  small 
stakes  (which,  if  painted  green,  will  look  much  better),  and 
keep  them  from  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun.  The  front  of  the 
house,  perhaps,  will  be  the  best  situation.  They  must  be 
freely  watered  while  in  flower.  Where  there  is  convenience, 
it  will  be  essential  to  keep  the  pots  in  saucers  containing  water: 
it  will  strengthen  both  stems  and  flowers,  and  likewise  preserve 
them  longer  in  perfection.  Those  that  are  blooming  should 
be  put  aside,  and  watered  sparingly  until  the  foliage  begins 
to  decay,  when  the  pots  may  be  laid  on  their  sides  to  ripen 
the  bulbs. 


REPOTTING. 

We  have  always  considered  that  this  month  is  the  best 
period  for  repotting  the  generality  of  Cape  and  New  Holland 
plants,  and  more  especially  those  that  you  are  desirous  of 
encouraging.  Large  plants  of  the  Citrus,  Mi/rfus,  and  Ole- 
ander tribes  may  be  deferred  till  August :  these  are  of  a 
strong  robust  habit,  and  will  not  be  affected  at  that  period ; 
and  they  will  then  be  out  of  doors,  and  more  room  can  be 
had  for  the  operation,  but  by  no  means  defer  repotting  your 
Acacias,  Ericas,  Metrosideros,  Epdcris,  &c. ;  and,  for  the 
guidance  of  our  more  inexperienced  friends,  we  give  a  de- 


March.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  201 

Bcriptive  list  of  many  of  the  finest,  -witli  a  faint  outline  of  their 
characters  and  general  treatment,  which  will  prove  a  deside- 
ratum for  those  who  are  inexperienced,  and  strangers  to  the 
beauties,  pleasures,  and  arts  of  exotic  flora  culture.  Therefore, 
if  you  have  any  of  the  following  plants  that  you  are  desirous 
of  encouraging,  they  should  be  repotted  this  or  next  month  at 
the  latest.  Large  plants  will  not  require  it  if  they  were  done 
in  August.  Pots  one  size  larger  than  those  that  they  are  in 
are  suflBcient. 

Acacias  and  Mimosas  being  now  united  into  one  genus, 
there  are  above  two  hundred  species.  About  one  hundred 
and  thirty  belong  to  the  green-house.  Among  such  a  beau- 
tiful family,  both  for  elegance  of  flower  and  beauty  of  foliage, 
it  will  be  difficult  to  specify  the  most  handsome  and  desirable 
for  this  department.  A.  ciealhCda,  A.  glaiicescens,  A.  verti- 
cilldta,  A.  florahuncla,  A.  diffiisa,  A.  armdta,  A.  decipiens, 
A.  fragrdns,  A.  pxdchella,  A.  loplidntha ,  A.  decdrrens,  A. 
piihescens,  A.  myrtifblia,  A.  conspicna,  A.  linearis,  &c. 
These  will  afford  a  great  variety  of  foliage,  and  are  very  de- 
sirable, flowering  principally  in  winter,  or  early  in  spring. 
The  flowers  of  those  belonging  to  the  green-house  are  of  a 
yellow  or  straw  colour ;  the  most  of  those  that  are  red  or  pur- 
ple, with  the  celebrated  medicinal  species,  belong  to  the  hot- 
house, for  which  see  Mar/.  There  are  some  of  the  species  very 
subject  to  the  white  scaly  insect,  which  must  be  attended  to, 
that  they  may  not  get  to  any  extent.     (Soil  No.  1.) 

Agapdntlius,  three  species.  A.  iimMUdtus,  with  bright 
blue  flowers,  is  very  celebrated,  and  well  known  in  the  col- 
lections of  the  country.  There  is  a  variegated  variety  of  it 
highly  desirable,  the  foliage  being  white  striped,  and  frequently 
the  flower  stem  and  the  flower  A.  dlbidus  has  pale  white 
flowers,  and  as  yet  rather  scarce.  They  have  very  strong 
roots,  and  require  plenty  of  freedom.  Plants  are  always  large 
before  they  flower,  and  when  the  pots,  by  frequent  shifting, 
become  inconvenient,  the  plant  should  be  divested  of  all  the 
earth,  and,  if  too  large,  divide  it,  cutting  off  the  strongest  of 
the  fibres;  then  they  will  admit  of  being  put  into  smaller  pots. 
If  the  above  operation  is  performed  in  August  or  September, 
it  will  not  retard  their  flowering,  which,  when  well  grown,  is 
very  handsome,  the  flower-stem  arising  about  three  feet,  and 
crowned  with  twenty  or  thirty  blossoms,  continuing  to  bloom 
successively.     (Soil  No.  12.) 


202  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [^March 

Achimenea — about  sixteen  species.  The  type  of  this  new 
genus  has  been  long  known  in  our  collections  under  the  name 
of  Trevirania  coccinea,  now  A.  coccinea,  flowers  bright  scar- 
let ;  A.  longifiora,  large  blue ;  A.  grandiflora,  fine  rose ;  A. 
hirsuta,  bright  rosy  purple ;  A.  rosea,  profuse  flowering,  and 
A.  ptcta,  the  foliage  of  which  is  beautifully  variegated  and 
flrtripedj  A.  peduncalata,  spotted;  A.  elegans,  purple;  A. 
patens,  violet;  A.  Baumannia,  dark  violet;  A.  fimhriatn, 
fringed  white;  A.  gloximflora,  spotted;  A.  Margaretta,  pure 
white ;  with  nearly  thirty  other  sorts,  all  having  some  faint 
distinction.  They  have  all  scaly  tuberous  roots  requiring  the 
pots  to  be  kept  entirely  dry  during  winter ;  in  this  month  they 
should  be  taken  from  the  old  soil  and  planted  into  fresh,  three 
or  four  in  a  six  inch  pot,  giving  gentle  waterings  till  they 
begin  to  grow.  They  delight  in  a  warm  close  moist  atmo- 
sphere, and  will  bloom  freely  from  July  to  October.  (Soil 
No.  10.) 

Aloe.  Nearly  a  hundred  species  of  grotesque-looking  suc- 
culent plants,  and  are  principally  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Grood 
Hope,  and,  consequently,  will  do  well  in  the  warmest  part  of 
the  green-house,  although,  when  convenient,  they  frequently 
get  a  situation  in  the  hot-house.  A.  vulgdris,  known  as  A. 
barbadensis,  has  orange-yellow  flowers;  A.  obliqua,  now 
called  Gasteria  obliqua;  A.  dicJidtoma,  and  A.  variegata, 
which  is  perhaps  the  finest  of  the  genus :  the  leaves  are  beau- 
tifully striped,  and  commonly  known  as  the  partridge-breast 
Aloe ;  flowers  scarlet  and  green.  They  ought  to  have  very 
little  water,  once  a  month  is  sufficient.  They  would  grow 
without  it,  and  several  of  them  would  also  grow  by  being  sus- 
pended in  the  house,  without  earth  or  any  substitute  about 
their  roots,  by  being  frequently  sprinkled  with  water.  Few 
of  them  are  admired  for  the  beauty  of  their  flowers,  but  the 
whole  are  considered  curious.  They  flower  from  May  to  Sep- 
tember.    (Soil  No.  9.) 

Alonsbus,  five  species,  all  soft-wooded,  small,  shrubby  plants, 
with  scarlet  flowers.  A.  incisifolia  is  known  among  us  under 
the  name  of  Hemiincris  urticifolia,  and  A.  lincdris  as  II. 
linearis.  If  well  treated  they  form  very  handsome  plants, 
and  flower  freely.  They  will  not  bear  strong  fumigation ; 
and,  when  the  house  is  under  that  operation,  they  must  be 
put  on  the  floor  of  the  green-house,  where  they  will  not  bo 


March.}  green-house — repotting.  203 

BO  much  affected.  They  flower  from  April  to  August.  (Soil 
No.  9.) 

Aldi/sa  citn'odora,  known  in  our  collections  as  verbena 
triphylla.  The  flowers  are  small,  in  long  spikes  of  a  pale 
lilac  colour;  the  celebrity  of  the  plant  is  in  the  delightful 
odour  of  its  foliage,  which  is  linear,  lanceolate,  and  ternate. 
It  is  of  very  easy  culture,  and  has  been  known  to  survive 
winter  in  the  open  air  in  Philadelphia.  Where  large  plants 
are  desired,  they  should  be  planted  in  the  ground  during 
summer,  and  lifted  in  November,  and  put  in  a  dry  cellar  or 
under  the  stage  in  the  green-house.  Before  they  begin  to 
grow  in  the  spring,  trim  the  plants  into  a  neat  shape.  (Soil 
No.  9.) 

Ahtroemerias,  about  sixteen  species,  all  exceedingly  de- 
sirable, and  many  of  them  particularly  beautiful;  such  are 
A.  durea,  golden-flowered ;  A.  bicolor,  salmon  and  orange ; 
A.  carminata,  carmine-coloured;  A.  Hooker ii,  rose-coloured; 
A.  pelegrina,  elegantly  spotted;  A.  pulcMlla,  red-flowered, 
and  will  grow  six  feet  high,  having  its  shoots  crowned  with 
a  profusion  of  flowers ;  A.  psittachia,  red,  yellow  and  green ; 
A.  tricolor,  black,  white  and  yellow ;  very  beautiful.  They 
have,  generally,  tuberous  roots,  and  should  be  potted  into 
fresh  soil  as  soon  as  they  show  symptoms  of  growth,  and  they 
will  require  repotting  about  every  month  previous  to  flowering, 
taking  care  never  to  break  the  ball  of  earth  while  they  are  in 
a  growing  state.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Amaryllis.  This  is  a  genus  of  splendid  flowering  bulbs, 
containing  about  eighty  species  and  one  hundred  and  forty 
varieties.  They  are  natives  of  South  America,  but  more  than 
one-half  of  them  are  hybrids  grown  from  seed  by  cultivators. 
They  are  generally  kept  in  the  hot-house,  but  in  our  climate 
will  do  perfectly  well  in  the  green-house ;  and  we  have  no 
doubt  that  in  a  few  years  many  of  them  will  be  so  acclimated 
as  to  keep  as  garden  bulbs,  planting  about  the  end  of  April, 
and  lifting  them  in  October.  As  the  beauty  of  these  plants 
is  in  the  flowers,  it  will  be  proper  to  give  a  small  description 
of  a  few  of  them.  A.  hella,  pure  white  striped  with  rose ; 
A.  Bartonii,  creamy  white  striped  with  pink;  A.  Buistii, 
large  pure  white,  striped  with  cherry  colour;  A.  I'gnesccns, 
bright  red,  with  white  at  the  base  of  the  petals.  A.  Johnsoni, 
the  flowers  are  a  deep  scarlet,  with  a  white  streak  in  the  centre 
of  each  petal,  four  bloom  on  a  stem  of  about  two  feet,  each 


204  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [March. 

flower  about  six  inches  in  diameter ;  a  bulb  well  established 
has  two  stems.  A.  re(j\na,  Mexican  Lily,  has  large  scarlet 
pendent  flowers,  tube  of  the  flower  fringed-iike,  with  three  or 
four  on  the  stem.  A.  vittata  is  an  admired  species,  with 
scarlet  flowers,  striped  with  pure  white ;  there  are  two  or  three 
varieties  of  it;  corolla  campanulate,  three  or  four  on  the  stem, 
about  three  inches  in  diameter;  petals  a  little  undulate.  A. 
fahjida,  flower  scarlet,  large,  tube  striped,  petals  acute,  two 
flowers  on  the  stem.  A.  dulica  is  magnificent,  has  from  two 
to  four  flowers  about  seven  inches  in  diameter,  erect  on  a 
stem  about  two  and  a  half  feet  high ;  six  petals,  strongly 
united  to  the  capsule,  bottom  of  the  petals  green,  connected 
with  spots  of  dark  crimson,  which  spread  into  fine  transparent 
red,  covered  with  rich  tints,  nerves  very  perceptible,  anthers 
bold ;  it  is  called  Crowned  Amaryllis.  A.  pslttdclna,  Parrot 
Amaryllis,  is  scarlet  striped  with  green,  two  or  more  flowers 
on  the  stem,  each  about  five  inches  in  diameter.  A.  longljblia, 
is  perfectly  hardy ;  flowers  pink,  inclining  to  white,  in  large 
umbels,  leaves  long,  glaucous,  and  is  a  desirable  garden  bulb. 
A.  longljlbra  striata  has  pure  white  flowers  with  bright  pink 
stripes,  and  each  flower  is  about  seven  inches  long;  it  was 
introduced  from  South  America  by  Mrs.  E,.  Alsop,  and  is  a 
most  superb  flowering  bulb.  A.  solandljidra.  large  red;  A. 
elegdns,  red  and  green,  and  many  other  superb  kinds,  espe- 
cially the  hybrid  sorts ;  from  Johnsoni  there  are  above  twenty 
cultivated  varieties;  from  fornwsa  about  twelve;  and  from 
Griffini  about  ten,  all  of  them  esteemed.  Where  they  have 
been  kept  in  the  earth  in  which  they  were  grown  last  year, 
the  ball  ought  at  this  repotting  to  be  reduced ;  when  the  bulbs 
are  in  a  growing  state  they  ought  to  have  plenty  of  water,  and 
be  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  so  that  the  foliage  may  have  its 
full  influence,  and  as  the  roots  grow  to  the  outside  of  the 
earth,  give  them  another  and  larger  pot.  They  must  have 
plenty  of  drainage,  and  be  kept  from  heavy  rains.  We  prefer 
growing  them  in  the  green-house  all  summer,  or  into  frames 
under  glass ;  about  the  end  of  October  the  watering  must  be 
gradually  withheld,  and  by  the  middle  of  November  put  the 
bulbs  where  they  will  be  kept  dry  till  February  or  March 
next,  when  they  must  be  again  potted  (in  soil  No.  12). 

Araucarla.  This  noble  genus  contains  four  species,  which 
are,  without  exception,  the  most  noble  plants  we  are  acquainted 
with,  for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage  and  symmetry  of  their 


Ifarrh.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  205 

growth,  that  belong -to  the  green-house.  A.  excelsa,  Norfolk 
Island  Pine,  has  leaves  closely  imbricated  as  if  with  a  coat  of 
mail,  and  arc  imperishable.  A.  imhricdta,  Chile  Pine,  is  one 
of  the  grandest  of  trees,  and  is  the  hardiest  of  the  genus,  grows 
in  the  open  air  with  me ;  the  leaves  are  also  closely  imbricated. 
A.  braziliensis  is  more  tender  and  more  rapid  in  growth.  The 
foliage  of  either  of  the  species  will  adhere  to  the  wood  many 
years  after  the  plant  is  dead.  They  are  all  highly  valued ; 
the  pots  must  be  well  drained  j  for  if  the  plants  get  much 
water  while  dormant,  the  foliage  becomes  yellow,  and  never 
attains  its  i)eautiful  'green  colour  again ;  otherwise  they  are 
easily  grown.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Arbutus,  ten  exotic  species  and  six  varieties.  They  are 
generally  hardy  in  England;  but  we  question  if  they  stand 
out  in  the  Middle  States.  A.  luildo  rubra  has  the  finest 
crimson  flowers;  A.  serratifdlia  the  largest  panicles;  and  A. 
andrdchne  the  finest  foliage;  and  very  profuse  of  bloom. 
They  flower  in  nodding  panicles.  A.  candriensis  has  very 
neat  pink  flowers.  They  bear  a  pretty  fruit  similar  to  a 
strawberry ;  hence  it  is  called  strawberry  tree,  and  the  fruit 
will  remain  on  the  bush  a  long  time.  They  are  very  fine 
evergreens,  and  if  any  of  them  become  acclimated,  they  will 
be  a  great  acquisition  to  our  gardens.  In  the  Southern  States 
they  make  lovely  evergreen  shrubs.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Aster  argophyllus,  or  musk  plant,  has  no  beauty  in  its 
flowers,  but  is  esteemed  by  some  for  its  musky  odour  when 
the  leaves  are  gently  rubbed.  Leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  and 
silky  beneath  ;  the  plant  is  of  strong  growth.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Aiicuba  jajidnica  is  the  only  species.  The  flowers  are 
small  and  almost  insignificant,  colour  purple ;  but  the  foliage 
is  a  desirable  object,  being  yellow,  spotted,  or  blotched.  It  is 
tolerably  hardy,  and  withstands  our  winters.  It  prefers  shade, 
and,  if  the  situation  were  such  when  planted  out,  it  would 
grow  more  freely.  The  hot  rays  of  the  sun  are  very  preju- 
dicial to  its  growth.  It  is  an  evergreen  shrub,  and  yerj  de- 
sirable.    (Soil  No.  2.) 

Azaleas.  The  Chinese  varieties  of  Azalea  indica  are  almost 
without  an  end;  we  might  properly  say  that  they  are  without 
end ;  but  the  finest  we  have  seen  are  those  we  shall  enumerate. 
The  one  that  has  been  longest  known  in  the  collections  of 
this  country  is  Indica^  a  most  splendid  shrub,  with  red  flowera 
and  dark  spots.  Indica  alba,  the  flowers  of  the  purest  white, 
IS 


206  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [J/a/c/l 

rather  larger  than  the  former.  Inaica  piurpilrea  pUno,  double 
purple.  This  variety  is  not  so  fine  as  many  of  the  others. 
Properly  it  is  not  purple,  or  if  it  may  be  termed  so,  the  coloui 
is  very  light,  and  the  flower  irregular.  Inaica  phoiniceaj 
rich  purple  and  a  free  grower.  Indica  smlthii  of  the  French, 
and  Indica  23urpurea  of  the  English,  are  alike,  pale  lilac  and 
very  profuse  of  flower.  Indica  coccinea,  bright  scarlet,  a 
superb  variety,  and  extremely  abundant  of  bloom.  Indica 
Jiore  variegdta,  flowers  beautifully  variegated,  pink  and  white. 
Latmtia,  salmon  colour,  fine.  Williamsii,  bright,  rich  crim- 
son. Powleii,  rosy  purple.  Prince  Albert,  very  large,  bright 
rosy  crimson,  of  strong  growth.  Maitlandii,  pure  white, 
striped  with  pink,  dwarf  habit.  Copeii,  bright  rose.  Daniel- 
siana,  bright  red.  Indica  cdrnea,  delicate,  flesh  colour. 
Indica  nova  blanc,  white,  with  a  greenish-yellow  spot  on 
the  upper  petals.  Kuhro  pleno,  double  red,  of  very  erect 
growth.  iSpcctahilis,  rose  and  violet.  Indica  elegdns,  bright 
rosy  purple,  a  very  profuse  flowerer  and  of  a  neat  habit.  In- 
dica Gillinglidmia,  very  large  lilac,  and  of  a  strong  habit. 
Striata  formosissima,  white  striped  rose.  Hartwig,  very 
bright  crimson.  Azalea  sinensis  does  not  belong  to  the  hidica 
tribe;  it  is  of  a  hard  woody  nature,  flowers  of  a  golden  yellow, 
in  large  clusters ;  it  no  doubt  will  prove  a  hardy  species.  The 
varieties  and  sub-varieties  of  indica  will,  in  a  few  years,  be  so 
numerous  that  the  greatest  difiiculty  will  be  to  keep  clear  of 
those  that  are  not  decidedly  distinct;  to  obtain  this  object  our 
own  feeble  exertions  will  be  industriously  applied.  We  might 
have  named  a  few  other  varieties,  but  they  so  nearly  approach 
some  of  the  above  that  it  is  better  to  avoid  them.  A  choice 
collection  of  the  Chinese  Azalea  ought  to  be  in  every  green- 
house ;  they  are  all  easy  of  culture,  and  bloom  freely  from 
February  to  May.  The  pots  must  be  well  di'ained  and  shaded 
from  the  sun  during  summer,  though  the  tops  of  the  plants 
do  best  to  have  the  full  rays,  to  which  we  have  them  fully 
exposed,  and  find  that  by  such  treatment  they  are  every  year 
completely  covered  with  their  flowers,  and  grow  more  stiff  in 
habit  than  when  the  whole  plant  is  shaded.  They  should  be 
repotted,  as  soon  as  done  flowering,  in  soil  No.  6  when  they 
are  flowering  plants,  and  in  soil  No.  5  when  young  plants. 

Bdnksias.  There  are  about  thirty-two  species,  all  curious 
in  flower,  and  handsome  and  various  in  foliage;  flowers  in 
large  headi  of  cone  shape,  anthers  mostly  green  and  continua 


MarcK\  green-house — repotting.  207 

a  considerable  time  in  flower ;  produces  a  cone  in  shape  of  a 
pine,  but  not  imbricate.  The  substance  is  as  hard  as  bone, 
and  contains  many  seeds.  Those  most  admired  for  the  foliage 
are,  B.  dentdta,  B.  cemula,  B.  serrdfa,  B.  latifoUa,  B.  grdndis, 
which  is  the  largest.  B.  speciosa  has  the  longest  foliage. 
B.  Ounninghdviii ,  B.  spinulosa,  B.  palludosa,  and  B.  repens, 
these  will  afford  a  good  variety.  B.  verticUlata  is  entirely 
different  in  appearance  from  the  others. 

They  must  be  well  drained,  and  placed  in  an  airy  part  of 
the  green-house.  Great  care  should  be  taken  that  they  do 
not  get  too  dry,  for  they  seldom  recover  if  allowed  to  flag  for 
want  of  water.  This  genus  is  named  in  honour  of  Sir  Joseph 
Banks,  a  distinguished  promoter  of  the  study  of  natural  history. 
(Soil  No.  6.) 

Barosinas,  above  ten  species  of  pretty  plants,  separated 
from  Diosma.  B.  ser  rati  folia,  white;  B.  pidcheUa,  purple; 
B.  fmtidhssima,  blush ;  B.  odordta,  white ;  and  B.  dioica, 
pink,  are  the  finest.     (Soil  No.  8.) 

Beav/drtias,  only  two  species.  B.  decussdta,  is  splendid; 
the  flowers  come  out  of  the  wood  with  stamens  in  fine  parcels, 
colour  bright  scarlet,  foliage  decussate,  oval,  and  many-nerved, 
bloom  persistent  and  much  esteemed.  B.  spdrsa,  in  flower 
similar  to  the  other;  colour  light  pink,  foliage  scattered,  both 
of  easy  culture,  and  flower  abundantly.     (Soil  No.  8.) 

Begonias,  a  few  species,  are  desirable  for  the  green-house 
especially.  B.  fuchsioides,  scarlet;  B.  incamdta,  flesh-colour, 
and  blooms  during  winter;  B.  zchrina,  zebra-like,  very  pretty; 
B.  manicata,  pink  flowered;  B.  odorata,  sweet  scented.  They 
are  of  a  soft  woody  nature,  and  should  be  kept  in  the  warmest 
part  of  the  green-house,  and  never  syringed  over  head  during 
winter.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Bentlidmia  fragifera.  This  beautiful  new  plant  will  make 
a  splendid  hardy  evergreen  for  the  Southern  States,  where  it 
will  produce  its  pale  white  flowers  in  July,  and  an  abundance 
of  fruit  very  much  like  strawberries,  of  a  slight  acid  taste : 
but  we  are  doubtful  if  it  will  fruit  in  our  green-houses  unless 
greatly  encouraged.      (Soil  No.  9.) 

BUlia  hi/acinthina  is  the  only  species  belonging  to  the 
green-house,  once  known  as  C^mbidium  hyacintlnnum.  It 
is  herbaceous,  and  before  it  begins  to  grow,  divide  the  root, 
putting  the  best  into  six-inch  pots.     The  spike  of  flowers  are 


208  GREEN-HOUSE — RErOTTING.  [J/a?-c7i. 

hyacinth-like,  and  of  a  beautiful  purple,  flowering  from  April 
to  July.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Boiivdrdias,  three  species.  B.  Jiava,  jeWow ;  B.  jyciUida, 
pale  red  ;  B.  triphi/lla  is  well  knowu  among  us,  has  brilliant 
scarlet  flowers,  and,  when  well  grown,  will  flower  beautifully 
from  May  till  September.  To  keep  the  plants,  they  should 
be  frequently  renewed ;  otherwise  they  are  liable  to  grow 
straggling  and  become  subject  to  the  small  white  scaly  insect. 
(Soil  No.  3.) 

Borbnia  is  a  beautiful  genus  of  New  Holland  plants,  con- 
tains about  nine  species ;  most  of  them  have  been  universally 
admired ;  the  flowers  are  star-like,  rose-coloured,  and  some  of 
them  sweet-scented.  B,  pinnata  grows  and  flowers  freely 
B.  serrulatay  foliage  serrated  and  very  crowded,  bearing  the 
flowers  on  the  extremity  of  the  shoot,  and  does  extremely  well 
in  this  country ;  the  flowers  are  bright  rose  and  sweet-scented. 
B.  aldta  has  a  fine  appearance,  and  grows  handsomely.  The 
foliage  is  winged  and  pinnate,  strong-scented ;  of  a  hardy 
nature,  and  easy  culture.  They  are  in  flower  about  April 
and  May,  and  continue  a  considerable  time ;  are  subject  to 
mildew  if  not  frequently  syringed :  drain  the  pots  well. 
(Soil  No.  8.) 

Brachysemas,  two  species,  both  evergreen  climbers.  B. 
latifulmm  has  the  best  foliage,  and  large  purple  leguminose 
flowers.  B.  unclulahitn,  flowers  yellow,  and  more  plentiful 
than  the  former,  continuing  in  long  succession.  The  pots 
require  to  be  well  drained ;  very  few  plants  of  either  in  the 
country.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Bnigmdnsias,  four  species  of  strong,  coarse-growing  plants, 
requiring  great  nourishment  to  flower  them  well.  B.  sitave- 
olens  has  very  large  white  flowers,  about  five  inches  in  dia- 
meter, and  sweet-scented.  B.  sanguinea  has  flowers  with  a 
green  thorax ;  the  brim  of  the  corolla  is  of  a  dark  orange 
colour.  B.  Kniglitii,  large  half-double  flowers  of  snowy  white- 
ness, does  well  when  planted  in  the  open  ground.  B.  flora- 
hunda,  orange-coloured.  They  must  have  very  frequent  re- 
pottings,  and  be  liberally  supplied  with  water  while  growing. 
(Soil  No.  18.) 

BruHsviglas  are  all  large  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  and  will  keep  in  the  green-house  during  winter,  but 
are  better  where  they  can  obtain  a  situation  in  the  hot-house. 
It  is  a  splendid  genus  containing  about  ten  species.     Some 


March.}  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  209 

of  the  bulba  grow  to  an  enormous  size,  and  all  of  them,  while 
growing,  require  a  liberal  supply  of  water ;  but  when  dor- 
mant it  must  be  wholly  withheld,  and  they  should  have  large 
pots,  to  make  them  grow  and  flower  in  perfection.  B.  mul- 
tijldra,  flowers  scarlet  and  green ;  the  leaves  lie  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  pot.  B.  laticbma,  flowers  pale  purple.  B.  Jose- 
phinm  has  splendid  rose-coloured  flowers,  and  the  most  admired 
species  of  the  genus;  the  foliage  spreading,  half-erect,  and 
glaucous ;  flowers  numerous,  and  in  large  umbels,  on  a  stem 
two  feet  high,  blooming  successively :  there  is  a  variety  that 
has  striped  flowers. 

Several  other  species  have  been  given  to  difi"erent  genera. 
B.  falcdta  is  now  Ammdcharis  falcdta  ;  B.  margindta,  now 
Imhdjia  ;  and  B.  cilidris  is  now  Buplwne  cilidris.  They  all 
flower  in  umbels,  on  stems  from  six  inches  to  two  feet ;  flowers 
lily-like,  with  six  petals.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

BurcMllias,  two  species.  B.  cap4nsis  is  a  beautiful  dwarf 
evergreen  shrub,  with  tubular  orange-coloured  flowers,  in  large 
terminal  clusters;  when  well  treated,  grows  and  flowers  freely, 
and  highly  deserving  of  attention.  B.  parvi/ldra  differs  from 
the  above  in  the  flowers  being  smaller  and  paler,  and  the 
foliage  more  pointed.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Cactus:  for  descriptions  of,  see  hot-house  in  May. 

Calceolaria.  This  genus  of  plants  has  undergone  a  com- 
plete revolution.  Within  these  few  years,  hundreds  of  superb 
hybrid  varieties  have  been  brought  to  notice,  many  of  them 
truly  splendid.  With  us  the  herbaceous  kinds  are  very  deli- 
cate during  summer;  they  are  generally  all  cut  ofi"  by  our 
intense  heat,  or  severe  droughts.  The  shrubby  varieties 
appear  to  withstand  the  vicissitudes  of  our  climate  better, 
though,  as  yet,  we  confess  we  are  not  even  altogether  success- 
ful in  their  summer  culture.  However,  a  few  of  them  have 
done  well,  and  are  C.  angustifblia,  bright  yellow,  and  in  great 
profusion;  C.  Daniel  0' Conncll,  brown  mottled;  G.  Sidfan, 
crimson  purple;  G.  Jupiter,  brown  and  yellow;  O.  marjo- 
ridna  sitjyerha,  nearly  scarlet;  C.  srnitliii,  red  and  yellow;  C. 
/(/>iea,  bright  crimson;  C.  meteor,  diSivk  crimson;  C.  Vulcan, 
dark  red  ;  C.  maculata,  superbly  marked  with  red  or  crimson. 
There  are  many  others  of  very  gi-eat  merit  of  the  shrubby 
kinds  cultivated  in  Europe,  such  as  whites  of  different  shades, 
dark  crimsons,  with  white  capes,  and  others  blending  into 
almost  every  description  if  colour  and  character.  Any  quan- 
18* 


210  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [^March. 

tity  of  new  sorts  may  be  obtained  by  cross  impregnation  be- 
tween any  two  of  very  different  colours;  the  seeds  will  ripen 
in  July,  when  they  may  be  sown  on  light  soil,  and  they  will 
flower  the  following  season.  Flowering  plants  require  to  be 
greatly  encouraged,  and  must  be  shaded  during  summer  from 
the  violent  noonday  sun.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Calothdmnus,  four  species.  This  genus  is  named  in  allu- 
sion to  the  splendid  appearance  of  the  branches,  covered  with 
scarlet  flowers,  of  curious  construction,  which  come  out  of  the 
old  wood.  All  the  species  are  of  easy  culture,  and  very  like 
dwarf  pines.  C.  quadnffida  has  the  largest  flowers;  C.  da- 
vdta  the  most  abundant.  They  are  all  evergreens,  and  flower 
from  April  to  November,  and  are  very  desirable  in  a  collec- 
tion.    (Soil  No.  6.) 

Callicoma  serratifolia,  the  only  species,  and  remarkable 
for  tufted  yellow  heads  of  flowers,  which  come  out  at  the 
axils,  and  continue  from  May  to  July.  The  foliage  is  ovate, 
lanceolate,  deeply  serrated  and  opposite.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Camellias.  There  are  about  eight  distinct  species  of  this 
plant  known  in  our  collections;  and  the  varieties  oi  Japonica 
approach  to  one  thousand,  to  which  many  are  yearly  added ; 
but,  unfortunately,  their  merits  are  not  fully  scrutinized  before 
they  are  sent  forth  to  the  floral  world,  under  names  represent- 
ing and  expressing  every  quality  that  is  grand  or  beautiful  in 
floral  imagination.  Such  has  been  the  rapid  increase  of  va- 
rieties in  Europe,  and  even  in  this  country,  that,  in  many 
instances,  three  or  four  distinct  plants  have  come  out  under 
the  same  name;  consequently,  a  great  confusion  of  names  has 
been  the  result,  which  has  caused  much  difficulty  in  attaining 
the  best  of  the  names.  The  collections  of  this  country  were 
kept  comparatively  pure  till  within  the  last  few  years,  when 
the  anxiety  of  our  cultivators  to  obtain  variety  caused  them 
to  import  from  the  French  and  German  markets,  which  has 
thrown  the  nomenclature  into  an  almost  impenetrable  chaos. 
But  still  we  can  unite  in  saying,  "  What  species  of  plant  is 
there  which  better  merits  the  intelligent  and  vigilant  care  of 
the  amateur  and  horticulturist?"  The  elegance  of  its  form, 
the  beautiful  verdure  of  its  foliage,  and  the  pure  and  brilliant 
colours  of  the  large  and  elegant  flowers,  sufficiently  justify  the 
admiration  of  all.  In  fact,  we  may  say,  there  is  not  a  green- 
house in  which  this  lovely  plant  has  not  found  a  place,  where 
it  stands  in  the  first  rank  of  floral  population.     To  give  a  full 


March.l  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  211 

description  of  all  the  varieties  we  know  would  occupy  thi?i 
volume.  However,  we  will  give  lucid  details  of  nearly  one 
hundred  of  the  finest  we  have  seen  in  cultivation.  But,  in 
regard  to  the  shades  and  spots  of  colour,  we  must  throw  our- 
selves on  the  charity  of  our  readers ;  for  many  sorts  are  very 
capricious  in  that  particular ;  though  styled  self-coloured,  they 
may  come  spotted,  and  even  those  that  are  generally  spotted 
sometimes  show  themselves  of  one  colour. 

Camellia  euryoides,  flowers  small,  single  white,  and  a  little 
fragrant ;  plant  of  a  slender  growth. 

(7.  oh\feria  is  cultivated  principally  in  China  for  the  oil 
which  is  expressed  from  its  seeds,  which  is  much  used  in  the 
domestic  cookery  of  the  country ;  flower  single  white. 

G.  Sesanqua,  Lady  Banks's.  The  foliage  of  this  species 
is  very  small,  and  paler,  and  the  green  not  so  fine  as  any  of 
the  others.  It  seeds  freely,  and  is  often  used  as  the  female 
parent  in  producing  new  varieties;  flowers  small,  white,  and 
single,  with  many  anthers.  There  are  a  semi-double  and 
double  variety  of  it  of  the  same  colour. 

C.  sesanqua  rosea,  or  mallifloi'a  of  some,  double  pink, 
small  flowers,  but  in  very  great  profusion ;  the  plant  is  of  a 
free,  upright  growth.  The  flowers  are  of  about  four  weeks' 
duration  ;  it  is  very  much  esteemed. 

C.kissi.  Small  single  white;  the  only  species  that  is  a 
native  of  Nepaul. 

C.  reticulata  was  brought  from  China  by  Capt.  Rawes  in 
1822.  The  foliage  is  very  characteristic,  being  stifi"  and  flat, 
distinctly  serrated,  nerves  deeply  sunken  ;  flowers  bright-rose, 
of  a  loose  form,  and  above  six  inches  in  diameter,  semi- 
double.  From  present  appearance,  it  will  never  be  so  plenty 
as  many  of  the  others,  being  tardy  of  propagation ;  only  a 
few  eyes  on  the  extremity  of  each  shoot  make  young  wood, 
and  if  these  are  cut  ofi",  the  plant  does  not  seem  to  push 
afresh.     Magnificent. 

C.  japonica,  small,  single,  red.  It  is  supposed  that  this 
is  the  type  of  all  the  garden-cultivated  varieties  of  the  Ca- 
mellia, though  some  are  inclined  to  think  that  it  is  a  varie- 
gated or  striped  species,  not  yet  introduced,  that  has  been  the 
origin  of  so  many  beautiful  Chinese  sorts. 

The  following  are  supposed  to  be  its  varieties : — 

C.  alba-plena,  common,  double  white,  is  admired  by  tho 
most  casual   observer,   and   is  generally  considered  a  very 


ilV2  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  ^March 

superior  flower,  from  the  purity  of  its  wliiteness  and  the 
abundance  of  its  large  flowers,  which  are  closely  and  regu- 
larly set  with  round  petals.  The  foliage  is  large,  and  the 
plant  grows  freely ;  we  have  seen  one  shoot, grow  two  feet  in 
one  summer.  It  was  imported  into  Europe  from  China, 
among  the  first  of  the  varieties,  about  eighty  years  ago. 
3IagmJicenf. 

G.  simplex'^  cilha,  single  white.  It  is  mentioned  some- 
where as  being  very  sweet-scented,  though  not  very  percep- 
tible to  us  The  foliage  and  wood  are  very  strong,  the  fine 
striped  sorts  have  been  raised  from  it;  consequently,  it  is 
particularly  desirable  as  a  stock  to  grow  new  varieties  from. 
Its  flowers  are  large  and  abundant.      Good. 

G.  anemonefibra,  or  Waratali  (from  the  centre  petals 
having  the  appearance  of  the  Waratah  plant,  TelojAa  sped' 
osissima).  This  variety  is  very  characteristic,  both  in  flower 
and  foliage.  The  flower  is  dark-crimson,  with  five  regular, 
large,  outside  petals;  those  of  the  centre  are  very  small  and 
neatly  plaited,  with  the  style  (female  organ)  prominent ;  the 
foliage  is  large  and  oblong,  nerves  very  smooth,  and  the  wood 
strong,  bark  light.  Had  this  kind  not  been  found,  we  would 
have  been  deprived  of  many  most  splendid  varieties  which 
have  originated  from  it,  and  we  have  no  doubt  they  may  be- 
come as  diversified  as  the  roses  of  the  garden ;  this  variety, 
in  a  collection,  for  that  alone  is  invaluable.  It  seeds  freely, 
and  the  pollen  of  any  of  the  others  applied  to  the  style  of 
this  will  produce  a  new  variety,  which  seldom  fails  of  being 
double,  provided  the  pollen  is  from  a  double  variety.  It  must 
be  applied  the  first  day  that  the  flower  is  expanded,  for  the 
bloom  is  only  of  a  few  days'  duration.  Those  that  are  not 
acquainted  with  the  buds  of  this  Gamellla,  will  take  them  to 
be  dead,  because,  before  expansion,  they  are  very  dark  brown, 
and  have  a  dried  appearance.      Superb. 

G.  amdhile.  This  exceedingly  perfect  flower  was  raised 
from  seed  by  J.  B.  Smith,  Esq.,  of  this  city;  it  is  regularly 
imbricated,  the  extreme  petals  are  bright  rose,  shading  to 
delicate  pink,  and  then  again  shading  in  the  centre  to  light 

*  We  have  now,  1839,  in  flower,  a  single  white,  very  similar  to 
this,  which  we  have  raised  from  the  seed  of  Dahliaflora,  a  good, 
double  rea  variety  ;  it,  therefore,  appears  impossible  to  predict  theii 
character  from  the  parent  that  produced  the  seed. 


March.'}  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  21S 

red.  The  plant  is  full  of  foliage  and  of  excellent  habit,  flower 
about  three  and  half  inches  in  diametei".      Mafjnijicent. 

C.  atrorubcns,  Loddiges'  red,  is  a  good  variety;  colour  dark 
red,  outside  petals  large,  inside  small  and  irregular,  forming  a 
very  distinct  character;  foliage  stiff;  grows  freely  and  flowers 
well;  and  of  long  duration.  "We  have  seen  a  flower  stand 
fresh  on  the  plant  two  months;  however,  that  cannot  be  a 
rule,  as  it  depends  on  the  situation.      Good. 

C.  americana,  blush,  medium  size,  finely  cupped    form, 

fenerally  spotted  with  rose,  an  American  seedling  by  Mr. 
)unlap,  of  N.  y.     Magnificent. 

G.  Alexina,  rose  white,  spotted  and  striped,  dark  rose,  im- 
bricated, and  fully  double  foliage,  dark  green,  cordate,  a  plant 
of  neat  habit.     Sit])erh. 

G.  nJhicans,  pure  white,  perfectly  double,  in  shape,  growth, 
and  form,  very  like  myrtifolia  alba.      Siiperh. 

G.  Binneyii,  rosy  crimson,  very  perfect  form,  luxuriant 
foliage,  of  free  growth  and  bloom.      Sujyerh. 

G.  Bealiana,  or  Leana  Superha,  dark  crimson,  very  large, 
superbly  double,  cup  form.      Magnificent. 

G.  candid issiyna,  purest  white  flowers,  very  large,  four 
inches  or  more  in  diameter,  full  and  most  regularly  imbri- 
cated, and  resemble  very  much  the  old  double  u-Jiite,  though 
more  perfect  in  form — -leaves  rather  small,  of  an  elongated 
form,  smooth,  and  pale  green,  often  spotted  with  yellow. 
The  plant  is  of  vigorous  growth,  and  a  Japan  variety.  Mag- 
nificent. 

G.  Galeb  Gape  (Ritchie),  pale  rose,  centre  blush,  flower 
medium  size,  perfectly  imbricated,  quite  distinct,  foliage  long 
oval  reflexed,  of  a  pale  green,  grows  and  blooms  freely.  31ag- 
nificent. 

G.  cdrnea,  frequently  known  as  Middlemist's  blush.  Double 
pink,  one  of  the  original  varieties,  and  frequently  produces 
seeds,  from  which  many  very  fine  varieties  have  been  obtained ; 
grows  freely.      Good. 

G.  clialmerii  perfecta,  delicate  waxy  rose,  perfectly  imbri- 
cated form,  flower  medium  size,  very  persistent,  foliage  pale 
green,  plant  of  regular  pyramidal  growth.  Magnificent.  An 
American  seedling  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  William  Chalmers, 
gardener  to  the  late  Geo.  Pepper,  Esq. 

G.  Chandlerii,  or  irrsicolor,  perfectly  double,  colour  vivid 
red,  with  occasional  splashes  of  pure  white ;  the  flowers  vary, 


214  GREEN-HOUSE — REP0TTIN3.  IMarch, 

and  are  oftea  only  red — they  are  of  long  duration,  from  six 
to  eight  weeks;  foliage  large  and  dark  glossy  green.     Superb. 

C.  coIviUea,  pale  blush,  with  rose  spots  and  pink  stripes, 
is  partially  anemone-formed ;  but  very  compact  and  of  free 
growth  ;  leaves  cordate.      Superb. 

C.  concinna,  deep  cherry  red,  a  very  perfectly  imbricated 
double  flower,  about  three  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter; 
foliage  generally  a  little  undulated,  wood  slender.      Superb. 

C.  conspicua  (Loddiges),  a  shrub  of  strong  handsome 
growth,  with  large  dark-green  foliage ;  flower  very  double ; 
five  inches  in  diameter;  bright  orange  red,  hemispherical 
shape ;  petals  erect,  and  appear  as  if  three  or  four  flowers 
were  united ;  it  is  profuse  of  bloom  and  very  conspicuous. 
Superb. 

G.  coquette,  rosy  crimson,  frequently  blush,  imbricated  with 
large  petals  of  a  rather  coarse  texture ;  foliage  large  cordate, 
pale  green.      Good. 

G.  Gomtesse  Nencini,  pure  white,  beautifully  striped  with 
rose,  of  perfect  formation  ;  foliage  cordate  acuminate,  of  good 
habit.     Magnificent. 

C.  Donkelari,  bright  red,  variegated  and  sprinkled  with  pure 
white,  three  rows  of  large  petals  about  one  inch  broad  and  two 
inches  long;  centre  full  of  stamens,  flower  fully  four  inches 
in  diameter ;  leaves  about  two  inches  broad  and  four  inches 
long ;  this  will  be  an  elegant  variety  to  seed  from,  and  is  of 
Chinese  origin.      Superb. 

G.  delecthssima,  white,  profusely  striped  with  rose,  exterior 
petals  large  and  round;  those  of  the  interior  are  closely  set; 
flowers  nearly  four  inches  in  diameter;  leaves  very  large,  ovate, 
acuminate.     Superb. 

G.  Duchess  of  Orleans,  rose  white,  beautifully  spotted  or 
striped  with  rose,  perfect  form,  large,  a  free  bloomer.  Mag- 
nificent. 

G.  eclipse  or  Pressi,  of  the  English,  or  imp>i.rialis  of  the 
French ;  flower  pure  white,  with  rose  stripes,  four  inches  in 
diameter;  irregular,  full,  and  double,  with  a  few  stamens 
appearing  among  the  petals;  the  whole  flower  forms  an  arched 
centre,  almost  hemispherical ;  leaves  long  and  pointed,  of  a 
clear  rich  green  :  we  have  seen  flowers  of  this  plant  entirely 
rose.     Sujierb. 

G.  elegans  (Chandler's),  flower  rosy  red,  fj.xJing  to  nearly 
white  in  the  centre;  three  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter; 


March.'l  green-house — ^repotting.  215 

exterior  petals  large  and  rounded ;  those  of  the  interior  very 
numerous,  and  beautifully  harmonize;  forming,  as  it  were,  a 
depressed  sphere  j  a  profuse  bloomer,  and  of  a  neat  habit. 
Sujperb. 

G.  eldfa,  violet  crimson,  spotted  with  white,  flower  three 
and  a  half  inches  in  diameter,  perfectly  imbricated  to  the 
very  centre,  and  of  the  most  perfect  double;  foliage  dark 
green;  plant  of  a  good  habit.     Magnificent. 

G.  Davy  Crockett,  rosy  crimson,  exceedingly  large,  fully 
five  inches  in  diameter ;  round  petals  fully  double  and  very 
showy.     Superb. 

G.  Do  la  Reine,  white,  frequently  striped  with  dark  rosy 
violet,  very  double;  a  magnificent  flower,  but  a  plant  with 
very  indifierent  foliage. 

G.  Dunlop's  white,  pure  white,  perfectly  imbricated  :  a  free 
grower.     Magnificent. 

G.  Emily,  an  exceedingly  large  irregular  flower;  blush 
white,  striped  and  spotted  with  rose;  foliage  shining  green; 
plant  of  strong  growth.      Superh. 

G.  Fultonii,  pale  waxy  rose;  regular  flower  of  medium 
size ;  a  profuse  bloomer.     Magnificent. 

G.  Fdirlea,  foliage  large,  ovate,  acuminate;  of  a  smooth, 
shining  dark  green;  flowers  nearly  four  inches  in  diameter, 
of  a  rich  crimson,  marked  with  pure  white;  very  double. 
Superh. 

G.  Feastii,  pure  white,  with  a  few  spots  of  rose,  fully 
double,  imbricated,  very  distinct ;  foliage  dark  green ;  of  free 
growth.  Magnificent.  A  seedling  by  Mr.  Feast,  of  Balti- 
more. 

G.  fimbricLta :  fringed  white.  The  size,  shape,  and  set  of 
the  flower  same  as  alba-plena,  and  the  white  as  pure,  with 
the  edges  of  the  petals  deeply  serrated,  or  rather  fringed ;  ia 
equally  as  free  in  flowering,  though  not  so  strong  in  growth. 
It  is  universally  admired,  and  in  great  demand.  Magnifi- 
cent. 

G.  flaviscens,  or  incdrnata.  Lady  Hume's  blush,  and  by 
some  called  huff.  It  is  a  very  double  flower,  beautifully 
regular  and  imbricated,  and  frequently  hexangular,  or  star- 
like ;  the  bottom  of  the  petals  is  most  delicately  tinged  with 
blush;  on  looking  into  it,  it  shows  more  like  a  blush-vapour 
than  nature,  and  is  a  great  favourite,  and  deservedly  so : 
flowers  and  grows  freely ;  foliage  rhomboid,  elongate,  nerveg 


216  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [^March. 

very  visible,  surface  smooth  and  pale-green,  distinctly  serrate; 
growth  strong  and  erect.      Magnificent. 

C.  Floyii,  one  of  the  most  noble  of  the  Camellias,  both  in 
flower  and  foliage ;  leaves  three  inches  wide  and  nearly  five 
long ;  smooth,  dark -green  plant  of  strong  growth ;  flower  five 
inches  in  diameter,  of  a  perfectly  double  form ;  the  extremity 
is  cherry-red,  diverging  to  a  pale-rose  in  the  centre ;  the  ex- 
terior petals  are  bold,  round,  and  elegant,  of  a  cup-shape 
when  newly  opened.  It  is  frequently  sold  in  Europe  under 
the  imposing  name  of  Frederick  the  Great,  though  grown 
from  seed  by  Mr.  Floy,  of  New  York,  who  has  been  very  suc- 
cessful in  producing  several  other  esteemed  sorts.      Siiperh. 

0.  Fdrdii,  a  free  growing  plant,  with  lively,  green  foliage 
and  graceful  habit ;  flower  dark-rose,  three  inches  and  a 
half  in  diameter,  perfectly  double,  and  regularly  imbricated, 
forming  a  symmetrical  bloom.     Magnificent. 

G.  jyrmosa,  foliage  very  dark  green ;  flower  fully  four 
inches  in  diameter,  of  a  dark  rose  colour,  regularly  double, 
petals  large  and  erect ;  interior  shortened,  covering  a  few  sta- 
mens.     Sujjerh. 

G.  /ranko/o7'tensis,  or  Wellingioni,  a  plant  of  a  very  com- 
pact habit ;  flower  three  inches  and  a  half  in  diameter,  beau- 
tiful rose,  occasionally  spotted  with  white.     Magnificent. 

G.  Gilesii,  or  Nancy  Dawson.  The  leaves  are  large, 
ovate,  oblong,  and  pointed ;  flowei's  above  four  inches  in 
diameter,  of  a  fine  dark-red  colour,  often  striped  with  white, 
and  is  "  distinguished  for.  fragrance  as  well  as  beauty." 
Superb. 

G.  grunella,  foliage  oval  and  acute,  of  a  deep,  glossy 
green,  flower  white,  three  inches  and  a  half;  rather  irregular, 
but  perfectly  double,  a  profuse  bloomer,  and  of  good  habit. 
Sujicrh. 

G.  Hendersbnii,  raised  by  the  celebrated  camellia-grower, 
Mr.  Henderson,  of  Woodhall,  Scotland.  It  is  a  large  flower, 
four  inches  and  a  half  in  diameter,  beautifully  imbricated, 
and  perfectly  double,  of  a  bright  rose-colour ;  foliage  round, 
ovate,  and  distinctly  serrated.     Magnificent. 

G.  Ilamjjstcadii,  large,  rosy-crimson,  quite  double,  with 
bold  petals;  foliage  dark -green,  heart-shaped,  a  free  grower. 
An  American  seedling  sent  out  by  Messrs.  Ritchie  and  Dick. 
jSu^ferh. 

G.  Henri  Favre,  a  beautiful  rose-colour,  of  French  origin, 


March.^  GREEN-HOlisE — REPOTTING.  217 

perfectly  double,  being  similar  to  Landrethi.  A  free  bloomer, 
foliage  pale  green.      Magnificent. 

G.  imhricdta,  foliage  very  large,  three  inches  wide,  and 
four  and  a  half  long,  of  a  pale-green,  often  marked  with 
white ;  flowers  rich  crimson,  almost  invariably  marked  more 
or  less  with  white  ',  they  are  full  four  inches  in  diameter ; 
the  petals  are  round,  and  regularly  disposed,  and  imbricated 
on  each  other,  gradually  decreasing  to  the  centre,  forming 
a  most  perfect  flower.  The  plant  grows  freely,  and  blooms 
profusely ;  no  collection  can  be  perfect  without  it.  Magnifi- 
cent. 

C.  intermedia,  is  a  sport  from  S.  pcEomfibra  ;  it  is  a  very 
large  blush,  beautifully  sufi"used  with  rose.      iSiqyerb. 

C  invincible,  or  punctata,  flower  three  inches  and  a  half 
in  diameter,  rose-ground,  marked  and  striped  with  cherry- 
red  ;  the  circumference  petals  are  broad  and  convex ;  those  of 
the  centre  small  and  erect.  This  Camellia  sometimes  pro- 
duces flowers  entirely  red  or  rose-coloured ;  it  is  of  free 
growth ;  leaves  round,  acuminate,  and  of  a  dark-green.  Su- 
perb. 

C.  Jeffersonii,  rosy-crimson,  perfectly  imbricated  to  the 
centre ;  flower  of  medium  size ;  foliage  shining-green,  three 
to  four  inches  long,  and  two  wide.  A  seedling  by  Dr.  J.  S. 
Gunnell,  of  Washington  City.     Magnificent. 

G.  imbricata  (Dunlop's),  flowers  rosy-crimson,  most  per- 
fectly formed,  marked  with  white  shading  to  blush;  foliage 
large,  recurved,  of  a  pale-green  colour.     Magnificent. 

Jenny  Lind  (Mackenzie),  pure  white,  with  distinct  pink 
stripes,  petals  round,  nearly  fully  imbricated,  flower  under 
medium  size;  foliage  long  oval,  glossy-green,  free  growth. 
Magnificent. 

G.  Landrethii,  or  Jacksbnia,  very  beautiful  pink,  fading 
to  the  centre,  a  perfectly-double  and  finely-imbricated  flower, 
about  four  inches  in  diameter,  a  free  bloomer,  and  a  plant  of 
good  habit ;  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  pale-green.  We  have 
seen  the  flower  profusely  spotted  with  white.  This  elegant 
Camellia  was  grown  from  seed  by  P.  and  C.  Landreth,  and 
bloomed  first  in  the  spring  of  1829.      Magnificent. 

G.  latifblia,  leaves  three  inches  wide,  and  four  inches  and 
a  half  long,  point  recurved,  a  fine  glossy-green ;  flower  cherry 
red,  cup-form,  interior  petals  irregular,  festooned,  and  curled, 
19 


218  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  iMarch 

ihose  of  the  exterior  bold  and  round,  about  three  inches  and 
a  half  in  diameter.      Superb. 

C.  Lowii,  very  dark  crimson,  imbricated  flower;  fine,  bold 
petals;  foliage  cordate,  pale-green.     Magnificent. 

Mrs.  Cope  (Sherwood),  blush  white  with  rose  and  red  spota 
and  stripes,  very  perfectly  formed,  imbricated  to  the  centre, 
flower  full  medium  size,  opens  well ;  foliage  heart-shaped, 
pale-green,  plant  of  a  bushy  habit.     Magnificent. 

Mrs.  Fetters,  large,  dark-red,  shading  to  rose  in  the  centre, 
perfectly  imbricated;  fine  round  petals,  very  regularly  dis- 
posed; foliage  dark  green.  One  of  the  best  of  its  colour. 
Magnificent. 

C.  Mrs.  Lennig  (Buist),  dark  rose,  perfect  form,  great 
depth  of  petals,  full  size,  plant  of  bushy  habit,  flowers  freely, 
foliage  stifi",  pale  green.     Magnificent. 

C.  Mrs.  Sutter  (Sutter),  pure  white,  delicately  striped  with 
rose,  fine  round  petals,  fully  double,  medium  size,  plant  of 
erect  growth,  foliage  long  oval;  very  distinct.     Magnificent. 

C.  Mrs.  Ritchie  (Ritchie),  colour  blush  white,  with  dis- 
tinct pink  stripes,  petals  bold  and  round,  fully  imbricated, 
under  medium  size;  foliage  heart-shaped,  of  a  pale  green; 
strong  growth.     Mcignificent. 

C.  myrtifolia,  known  in  our  collections  as  involuta. 
There  are  two  varieties  of  it,  major  and  minor;  the  former  is 
certainly  the  best,  and  has  a  very  handsome,  large,  and  regular 
red  flower ;  the  centre  frequently  is  pink  and  purple ;  it  is 
much  the  shape  of  double  ivhite,  only  the  petals  are  more 
<;upped.  The  flower  is  of  considerable  duration.  The  foliage, 
though  small,  is  much  larger  than  that  of  any  of  our  common 
myrtles,  which  might  make  many  mistake  its  character;  and 
another  prominent  feature  is,  the  leaves  are  much  recurved 
and  shining;  plant  pendulous,  of  a  pale  green.     Magnijicent. 

C.  Madojina,  very  pure  white,  delicately  striped  with 
bright  rose ;  perfectly  imbricated,  and  above  medium  size ; 
foliage  dark  shining  green.     Magnificent. 

C.  Mrs.  Abby  Wilder,  white  striped  with  pink ;  a  regularly 
imbricated  flower  of  fine  formation ;  foliage  large,  coarse, 
sickly  green.      Magnificent. 

C.  Miss  Percival,  large  flower,  pure  white,  very  fine  when 
in  bud,  not  fully  double ;  foliage  dark  shining  green.  Good. 
When  we  have  the  pleasure  of  giving  a  Camellia  this  name, 
it  will  be,  in  our  estimation  at  least,  without  a  fault. 


fHarch.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTITSO.  219 

C.  pceoniflbra :  bright  pink,  large  flower,  fully  four  inches 
in  diameter,  two  rows  of  circumference  petals ;  those  of  the 
centre  numerous,  very  close,  erect,  and  in  the  form  of  a 
sphere;  plant  of  a  slender  growth;  leaves  two  inches  broad 
and  three  inches  long,  of  a  delicate  green.      Superb. 

C.  Pabncr's  perfection,  dark  crimson,  inclining  to  purple, 
very  large,  perfectly  double,  and  of  handsome  form;  a  free 
bloomer.     Magnificent. 

G.  Philadelphica  (Smith's),  flowers  four  and  a  half  to  five 
inches  in  diameter;  the  circumference  petals  large  and  round; 
those  of  the  interior  smaller  with  a  little  convexity,  perfectly 
double,  colour  changeable,  bright  crimson,  spotted  with  white; 
dark  rose,  fading  to  the  centre,  or  all  crimson ;  even  the  same 
plant  producing  all  the  variety;  plant  of  an  upright  branching 
habit;  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,*of  medium  size,  and  a  very 
dull  dark  green ;  bloomed  first  in  1834,  when  only  two  years 
from  the  seed,  and  the  flower  was  then  four  and  three-quarter 
inches  in  diameter.      Superb. 

C.  picturdta ;  leaves  three  and  a  half  inches  wide,  and 
four  and  a  half  inches  long,  of  a  bright  green ;  flower  four 
inches  in  diameter;  spherical  and  extremely  double;  petals 
of  the  centre  irregular  and  closely  folded :  those  of  the  peri- 
phery or  circumference  round  and  entire,  of  a  pure  white, 
occasionally  striped  with  red — a  few  hidden  stamens — plant 
of  an  elegant  habit.      Superb. 

C.  pomponia,  or  Kew  blush,  flowers  over  four  inches  in  dia- 
meter; white,  with  a  tinge  of  blush  at  the  bottom  of  the  petals, 
which  has  a  good  effect  in  setting  off  the  flower.  They  fre- 
quently bloom  all  blush,  having  one  or  two  rows  of  guard  or 
outside  petals ;  those  of  the  inside  are  short,  stubby,  and 
generally  irregular;  continues  long  in  flower;  yellow  anthers 
among  the  short  petals,  and  seeds  when  the  female  organ  is 
perfect;  foliage  similar  to pceo7ufiora ;  a  very  fast  grower,  and 
flowers  freely.      Superb. 

C.  Prdttii  ;*  flower  bright  rose,  full  four  inches  in  diame- 
ter, frequently  every  petal  having  a  white  stripe  from  the 
apex  to  the  base,  very  closely  and  regularly  imbricated  to  the 
very  centre  :  in  every  respect  equally  as  well  formed  as  C. 
imbricata  ;  leaves  two  and  a  half  inches  wide  and  four  inches 

*  In  compliment  to  our  late  and  esteemed  pati-on,  H.  Pratt,  Esq., 
of  Lemon  Hill. 


220  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  l^Iarch. 

long,  of  a  ricTi  smooth  green — is  a  plant  of  free  growth  and 
profuse  flowering;  bloomed  first  in  1836.  With  pleasure,  we 
say  it  is  our  first  seedling  of  merit.      Magnificent. 

C  President  (Buist),  bright  rose  pink,  petals  pointed, 
closely  imbricated  to  the  centre,  cup  form,  plant  of  free  up- 
right growth,  foliage  heart-shaped,  pale  green;  flowers  freely. 
Mngn  ificen  t. 

(J.  ptinctdta,  see  Invincihle. 

G.  Prince  Alhcrt,  pale  rose,  striped  with  bright  red,  very 
distinct;  a  Chinese  variety,  perfectly  double,  a  large  flower; 
petals  rather  short  in  the  centre.      Superb. 

C.  Queen  of  England,  dark  rosy  crimson,  with  an  occa- 
sional spot  of  white;  large,  imbricated,  and  fully  double. 
Magnificent. 

(J.  Queen  Victoria  (Priestley's),  crimson,  occasionally 
marked  with  white ;  flower  large,  perfectly  imbricated ;  fo- 
liage strong,  dark  green.     31agnificcnt. 

C  rdsd  sinensis,  a  large,  double  flower,  four  inches  in  dia- 
meter; colour  bright,  rosy  pink,  petals  long  and  full,  closely 
imbricated  to  the  centre  :  a  very  distinct  variety,  with  beau- 
tiful dark  green,  shining  foliage,  two  inches  wide  and  three 
and  a  half  long;  grows  and  flowers  freely.     Magyiificent. 

C.  r libra  pleno,  or  GreavilFs  double  red,  is  a  strong-grow- 
ing and  free-flowering  variety.  The  flowers  are  large,  irre- 
gular, and  very  double,  and  are  of  long  duration ;  foliage  of 
a  yellowish-green,  leaves  two  inches  wide  and  three  inches 
long;  plant  of  a  stifi"  habit.      Superb. 

0.  Saccoi,  bright  rose,  imbricated  form,  very  perfect, 
fading  to  a  pale  rose;  a  free  bloomer.     Magnificent. 

C.  Saccoi  de  nova  and  Magnifii  are  the  hame,  very  similar 
to  the  former,  merely  a  shade  paler  in  colour;  foliage  more 
distinctly  nerved  and  serrated.      Magnificent. 

C.  Sarah  Frost,  rich  crimson,  of  perfectly  imbricated  form, 
very  full,  a  profuse  bloomer,  growing  freely,  of  upright  habit. 
Magnificent. 

(J.  Sherwoodii,  rosy  crimson,  frequently  spotted  with  pure 
white ;  very  double ;  petals  reflexed  when  fully  open  ;  a  free 
grower  and  profuse  bloomer.  Magnificent.  A  seedling  by 
Mr.  Sherwood. 

C.  sesdnqiia  rosea.     See  among  the  species. 
C.   specidsa    is  a  most  splendid  variety,  has  been  called 
Chinese-striped  Waraiah.     The  guard  petals  are  large,  round 


March.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  22i 

and  bold;  colour  crimson,  with  stripes  of  white;  the  centra 
is  full  of  irregular,  small  petals,  and  spotted ;  the  foliage  three 
inches  wide  and  four  inches  long,  and  more  heart-shaped  than 
any  of  the  others ;  grows  freely,  flower  persistent,  four  inches 
in  diameter,  and  highly  esteemed,  and  considered  one  of  the 
finest  of  the  coloured  Camellias.      Superb. 

C.  Siceetia  vera;  leaves  three  inches  long  and  four  inches 
wide,  distinctly  serrate,  of  a  fine,  shining  green,  plant  of  an 
upright,  free-growing  habit;  flower  nearly  four  inches  in 
diameter,  with  three  rows  of  circumference  petals — rose  white, 
sprinkled  with  bright  red;  those  of  the  centre  small  and 
erect,  concealing  a  few,  sterile  stamens.      Superb. 

C.  tricolor;  foliage  pale-green,  two  inches  wide  and  three 
and  a  half  inches  long,  distinctly  serrated,  with  the  nerves 
very  prominent;  flower  full  four  inches  in  diameter — semi- 
double  ;  petals  large  and  round — very  beautifully  set ;  colour 
white,  shaded  with  various  shades  of  red,  rose,  &c.  A  superb 
variety  to  produce  seeds,  having  the  female  organ  very  per- 
fect, and  was  introduced  from  China  by  Dr.  Siebold.  Su- 
perb. 

G.  triumphans ;  foliage  dark-green;  leaves  roundish-oval, 
slightly  pointed  with  nerves,  and  serratures  very  distinct; 
flower  nearly  four  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  bright  cherry-red, 
shaded  with  rose;  petals  regular,  round,  and  large,  a  little 
recurved  at  the  extremity,  and  gracefully  imbricated  to  the 
centre,  which  is  occasionally  striped  with  white;  the  plant  is 
of  a  good  habit,  and  free  growth.     Superb. 

C.  variegata  is  one  of  the  old  standard  varieties,  and  very 
much  esteemed.'  It  is  striped  with  red  and  white;  some- 
times the  ground  is  red,  with  white  streaks  or  blotches,  and 
vice  versa ;  nearly  four  inches  in  diameter,  petals  large  and 
round,  rather  loose,  centre  showing  a  number  of  stamens ; 
foliage  very  fine  dark  green  ;  three  inches  wide  and  four  inches 
long.  We  have  had  seed  from  it.  Plant  of  a  good  habit  and 
a  profuse  bloomer.      Superb. 

C.  teutonia,  an  imbricated  flower,  of  perfect  form,  rosy 
crimson,  frequently  inclining  to  pale  rose.      Magnificent. 

C.    Walbankiana ;   foliage   pale   green,  two   inches   broad 

and  nearly  four   inches   long;    plant  of  rather  loose   habit; 

flower  greenish-white,  full  four  inches  in  diameter;    petals 

large  and  oval,  irregularly  tufted,  showing  a  number  of  sta« 

19* 


222  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [^March. 

mens,  thougt  very  double.  We  are  inclined  to  believe  that 
this  is  the  Idtea  alba  of  some  catalogues.      Superb. 

C.  Wardii;  very  dark  green  foliage;  leaves  rather  cordate 
and  undulate,  of  a  coriaceous  texture ;  plant  of  a  branching 
stiff  habit ;  flower  full  three  inches  in  diameter,  very  persistent 
— circumference  petals  large  and  round ;  those  of  the  interior 
small,  round,  and  closely  set,  rather  flattened,  colour  vivid 
crimson.  This  fine  variety  is  another  by  Mr.  Floy,  of  New 
York.      Superb. 

C.  Washington  (Guncell's);  dark  rosy  crimson,  of  exquisite 
form,  imbricated  to  the  centre ;  a  plant  of  neat  habit,  an 
abundant  bloomer,  always  opening  perfect.      Magnificent. 

G.  Wilderii;  very  bright  rose;  perfectly  imbricated;  petals 
regular  to  the  centre ;  almost  a  fac-simile  of  the  C.  Fordii, 
except  the  foliage,  which  is  more  heart-shaped.     Magnificent. 

C.  Wni.  Penn  (Dick),  dark  reddish  crimson ;  large  bold 
petals,  fully  double;  plant  of  free  growth;  foliage  dark  green; 
habit  good.     Magnificent. 

C.  Wdodsii;  foliage  light  green ;  leaves  two  inches  wide 
and  four  inches  long;  plant  of  a  rapid  growth  and  regular 
shape ;  flower  four  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  bright 
rose  colour ;  petals  large  and  rounding  in  the  periphery  ;  those 
of  the  centre  rather  irregular — perfectly  double,  and  blooms 
with  difiiculty.  We  have  observed  it  to  bloom  finest  when  a 
gentle  heat  was  applied,  or  when  the  plant  flowered  in  March 
or  April.      Superb.      (Soil  No.  11  for  the  whole  family.) 

We  beg  to  observe  that,  in  giving  descriptions  of  the 
camellia,  we  have  invariably,  as  far  as  known,  described  the 
best  variety,  where  there  were  several  varieties  under  one 
name.  The  new  varieties  in  this  beautiful  family  of  plants 
are  increasing  with  astonishing  rapidity.  The  seedlings  of 
this  country  alone  would  of  themselves  form  a  collection  of 
every  shade  and  colour,  though  many  of  them  are  almost 
alike,  especially  among  the  whites  and  reds — nearly  fac-similes 
except  in  foliage.  The  description  of  such  we  have  carefully 
avoided.  Indeed,  we  boldly  assert,  though  an  extensive  cul- 
tivator of  over  two  hundred  varieties,  that  there  are  not  more 
than  one  hundred  varieties  known  worthy  of  a  passing  I'emark, 
except  for  their  deformed  character. 

Ceanbthus,  low,  shrubby,  spring  blooming  plants,  with  pecu- 
liar foliage,  of  easy  culture,  and  will  all  prove  hardy  south  of 
Virginia.     0.  azureus,  pale  blue.     C.  divaricatus,  dark  blue; 


Mar^ch.'}  green-house — repotting.  223 

C.  rigidus,  bright  blue;  the  two  latter  are  very  profuse  in 
their  flowering.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Cestrum;  a  genus  of  about  ten  species;  some  of  them  very 
popular  under  the  name  of  Niylit-hlooming  Jasmine  ;  which 
are  C  nocturnum  and  parquii  with  long  greenish-white 
flowers ;  C.  diurnam,  pearly  white,  the  centre  of  the  flower 
sparkling  like  a  diamond;  C.  aurantiacum,  dark  orange 
flowers  in  large  clusters,  very  handsome,  blooming  in  winter. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

CTiorizemas,  about  ten  species,  foliage  very  variable;  flowers 
small  and  papilionaceous,  often  very  profuse;  colour  red  and 
yellow ;  though  small  they  are  very  neat.  C.  nana  and  C. 
ilicifdlia  are  pretty ;  but  nothing  of  the  kind  can  exceed  C. 
ovata  and  C.  varium  with  their  beautiful  scarlet  and  orange 
blossoms,  which  are  in  great  profusion ;  if  grown  from  seed, 
they  will  flower  freely  the  second  year;  drain  the  pots  well. 
(Soil  No.  6.) 

Cinerarias,  Cape  aster,  about  twelve  belong  to  the  green- 
house. They  are  herbaceous,  or  half  shrubby,  soft  wooded 
plants.  C.  speciosa,  C.  amelloides  (now  called  Agatha^a 
ccelestus),  C.  purpiirea,  and  C.  lanata,  are  among  the  finest 
of  the  species;  flowers  blue  or  yellow;  the  latter  is  considered 
the  handsomest  of  the  genus.  The  exterior  petals  are  bright 
purple,  and  the  interior  ones  white,  and,  with  A.  ccrUstus, 
flowers  most  of  the  year;  flowers  syngenesious  and  star-like. 
The  herbaceous  species  must  be  treated  as  previously  men- 
tioned for  that  kind  of  plant.  The  new  hybrids  of  this  genus 
are  rivalling  the  species,  both  for  beauty  of  colour  and  size  of 
flower;  among  these  are  Kingii,  Scottii,  Catherine  Hayes,  Lady 
Campbell,  Madam  Sontag,  Jenny  Lind,  Rosy  Morn,  Vicar  of 
Wakefield,  and  several  others,  all  really  beautiful.  They 
require  frequent  repottings  and  plenty  of  moisture  whilst  in 
a  growing  state.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Cinnamomum  camphora  is  the  camphor  tree  of  commerce; 
is  an  excellent  evergreen  but  has  no  beauty  in  its  flower. 
The  foliage,  when  bruised,  has  a  camphorated  odour.  (Soil 
No.  10.) 

Cisfus,  or  Rock  rose.  There  are  above  thirty  species, 
principally  natives  of  Europe,  consequently  hardy  there,  and 
form  a  great  ornament  to  their  gardens,  being  very  abundant 
and  various  in  flower ;  but  with  us  they  will  not  stand  the 
rigour  of  winter.     We  have  no  doubt,  however,  but,  through 


224  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [March. 

time,  some  kinds  may  be  grown  that  will  withstand  the  great- 
est cold  of  the  Middle  States;  they  are  low  shrubby  plants, 
of  easy  cultivation.  C.  ladaniferus,  (J.  saiignus,  C.  popidlfo' 
lius,  C.  undulatus,  and  G.  formosus,  are  perhaps  the  best ; 
the  flowers  are  of  short  duration,  frequently  only  for  one  day; 
but  the  quantity  makes  up  this  deficiency,  being  constantly 
in  flower  in  May  and  June,  and  sometimes  flower  again  in 
autumn.  G.  creticus  is  most  productive  of  the  gum  laudanum, 
which  is  secreted  about  its  leaves  and  branches.  The  flowers 
are  generally  five-petalled,  and  some  of  them  large  and  showy ; 
centre  full  of  stamens.     (Soil  No.  3.)        * 

Citrus.  This  genus  contains  the  most  grand  and  noble  of 
fruit-bearing  trees ;  Louden  says,  "  The  golden  apples  of  the 
heathens,  and  forbidden  fruit  of  the  Jews,  are  supposed  to 
allude  to  this  family."  They  are  all  handsome  evergreen 
shrubs  or  trees,  bearing  highly  odoriferous  flowers,  and  beau- 
tiful golden  fruit.  In  cultivation,  the  orange  fruit  is  dry 
and  more  insipid  thap  in  the  tropics,  but  the  lemon  is  far 
superior  in  its  quality.  The  varieties  of  orange  are  exten- 
sive, nearly  eighty  kinds  being  cultivated  in  Italy ;  but,  with 
us,  the  sweet,  sour,  and  rough-skinned  are  the  principal 
sorts,  and  more  recently  we  cultivate  the  mandarin,  Otahei- 
tan,  and  other  beautiful  dwarf  Chinese  varieties;  also,  the 
striped-leaved  varieties  of  Bergamotte.  The  lemon  are  nearly 
as  numerous,  though  not  so  apparently  distinct;  it  is  very 
valuable  as  a  cultivated  fruit,  and  should  be  in  every  green- 
house or  conservatory.  The  lime  and  the  shaddock  should 
not  be  overlooked,  as  they  are  very  ornamental,  especially  the 
latter  when  it  arrives  at  a  fruit-bearing  state.  (Soil  No.  18, 
when  young  plants,  and  when  fruit-bearing  keep  from  it  the 
portion  of  sand.) 

Glematis,  Virgin's  Bower.  There  are  only  six  of  these 
belonging  to  the  green-house,  all  climbing  plants.  C.  aris- 
tdta  and  G.  brachidta  are  the  best;  flowers  in  racemose 
clusters,  pure  white;  foliage  small;  and  natives  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.  The  foliage  of  G.  aristata  is  cordate  and 
blotched.  Some  of  the  hardy  species  and  varieties  make 
beautiful  plants  for  the  green-house,  such  as  Jidrida,  Sleboldii, 
and  cfvridea;  they  are  profuse  bloomers,  and  fine  growers. 
(^Soil  No.  3.) 

Glerodendron  frdgrans  midtij^lex,  double  white,  frequently 
known  under  the  name  of   Volkamenia  Japdnica,  which  is  $• 


March.']  green-house^^repotting.  225 

very  different  plant,  and  not  supposed  to  be  in  this  country. 
It  keeps  in  a  good  green-bouse,  and  flowers  well,  frequently 
blooming  during  winter,  and  if  planted  in  the  garden  during 
summer,  will  flower  superbly.  The  flowers  have  a  delicious 
fragrance;  if  the  foliage  is  rubbed  with  the  hand  the  smell 
is  not  so  pleasant.  The  leaves  are  large,  round,  ovate,  and 
tomentose;  flowers  corymbose,  compact,  and  terminal.  (Soil 
No.  12.) 

Clethra  arhdrea,  and  C.  arhdrea  variegata,  are  both  fine 
shrubs ;  the  latter  is  preferable ;  leaves  are  oblong,  acumi- 
nate, and  serrated,  having  a  gold-coloured  edge ;  flowers  white, 
downy,  in  large  branching  racemose  spikes,  and  sweet-scented; 
grows  freely.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Ciidiuhus  punirensi,  or  Glory  flower.  This  magnificent 
plant  produced  great  excitement  among  European  cultiva- 
tors, which  consequently  reached  this  country.  The  plant 
sold  at  extravagant  prices,  and  cost  the  writer  upwards  of 
fifty  dollars  to  introduce  a  living  plant  of  it,  which  was  done 
■  nine  years  ago.  The  plant  has  been  cultivated  in  pots,  and 
has  not  yet  given  general  satisfaction ;  the  leaves  are  smooth, 
pinnated,  of  a  delicate  green,  consisting  of  eight  pairs ;  the 
stem  is  of  a  soft  woody  nature ;  the  splendid  large  scarlet, 
leguminose,  pea-like  flowers  grow  in  clusters,  hanging  down 
from  the  axils  of  the  leaves  on  the  lateral  branches ;  each 
flower  is  about  two  inches  long.  It  is  a  native  of  New 
Zealand,  and  is  tolerably  hardy.  We  have  not  been  able  to 
grow  a  solitai-y  good  specimen  of  it,  and  the  only  handsome 
plant  we  have  seen  was  in  the  collection  of  Gen.  R.  Patter- 
son ;  where  it  was  planted  out  in  the  conservatory  in  Soil 
No.  10. 

Clivea  ndhilis,  a  tuberous  herbaceous  plant,  closely  allied 
to  Brunsvigia.  The  flowers  are  said  to  be  very  splendid ; 
colour  scarlet  and  green  :  although  it  has  been  in  the  coun- 
try several  years,  we  are  not  aware  of  its  ever  having  bloomed. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

•  Cobcea  scdndens,  the  only  species.  It  is  a  climber  of  very 
rapid  growth ;  has  been  known  to  grow  above  two  hundred 
feet  in  one  summer;  large  bell-shaped  flowers;  when  they  are 
newly  expanded,  they  ai-e  of  a  pale  green  colour,  and  change 
to  dark  purple  :  will  grow  in  the  garden  during  summer,  bear- 
ing a  continual  profusion  of  flowers,  but  will  not  stand  frost 
When  this  plant  becomes  too  large  in  the  house,  do  not  cut  it 


226  GREEN-nOUSE — REPOTTING.  [^March. 

close  to  the  root,  except  there  is  a  young  shoot  arising  to 
carry  off  the  superabundan  sap,  for  the  old  wood  will  not 
push,  which  will  soon  cause  i  mortification. 

The  best  method  to  adopt  in  such  a  case  is,  to  turn  back 
a  shoot,  and  lay  it  in  the  ground  to  root,  when  it  will  be- 
come a  young  plant,  which  should  always  be  done  as  soon 
as  it  appears  unsightly.  It  does  best  to  be  planted  in  the 
ground,  but  will  not  give  any  satisfaction  as  to  flowering  in 
a  pot.  It  will  flower  as  an  annual  if  sown  in  pots  this  month, 
and  placed  in  a  warm  room  or  hot-bed,  and  planted  into  the 
garden  about  the  middle  of  May ;  it  seeds  freely.     (Soil  No. 

Coronilla,  a  very  few  are  fine  species  in  the  green-house. 
C.  glailca  is  a  celebrated  plant  among  us,  as  a  free  and  early 
flowering  shrub.  C.  valentiana,  and  G.  vimtndlis,  are  equally 
so ;  flower  from  April  to  June,  colour  yellow ;  papilionaceous 
flowers  in  clusters ;  agree  best  in  summer  with  partial  shade. 
Drain  the  pots  well.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Con-ea,  five  species  and  several  varieties,  all  very  pretty 
dwarf  shrubs,  and  flower  profusely;  foliage  ovate,  cordate, 
and  either  rusty  or  downy  beneath.  C.  alba,  and  C.  rufa, 
have  both  white  flowers  a  little  tubular.  O.  pulchella  is 
a  very  handsome,  erect-growing  plant;  flowers  large  and 
tubular,  of  a  bright  red  colour,  and  grows  freely.  C.  spccidsa 
has  been  long  admired  as  a  splendid  free-flowering  plant ; 
flowers  same  shape  as  C.  pulchella,  but  more  elongated ; 
colour  red  and  yellowish-green.  C.  virens  is  a  very  free 
grower,  flowers  same  shape  as  the  last  two,  colour  entirely 
green ;  C.  multijlora,  red —  G.  hicolor,  green  and  white — 
G.  Harrhii,  spotted.  They  are  abundant  flowerers,  when  the 
plants  are  well  established;  having  a  continued  succession 
from  November  to  June,  possessing  the  valuable  requisite 
of  flowering  through  the  winter,  and  ought  to  be  in  every 
collection.  They  require  an  aii'y  situation,  and  the  pots  to 
be  well  drained.  The  plants  in  summer  must  not  be  fully 
exposed  to  the  sun.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Grdssula.  This  genus  has  now  no  plant  in  it  attractive  in 
beauty.  Several  beautiful  plants  in  our  collections  belong  to 
Kochea  and  Kalosdnthus.  There  is  a  strong-growing  succu- 
lent plant,  known  in  our  collections  as  G.  falcdta,  which  is  R. 
falcdta.  It  seldom  flowers ;  the  minor  variety  blooms  pro- 
fusely every  year  from  Maj  t:  August,  and  has  showy  scarlet 


March.'}  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  227 

flowers  in  terminal  panicles.  The  plants  known  as  C.  cocci- 
nea,  and  C.  versicolor,  are  now  given  to  the  genus  Kalosdn- 
thus.  The  flowers  of  the  former  are  scarlet,  waxflike,  termi- 
nal, and  sessile ;  those  of  the  latter  are  rose  and  white,  also 
wax-like,  and  are  both  desirable  plants,  requiring  very  little 
water  during  winter.     (Soil  No.  18.) 

Ciphcea,  a  genus  of  rather  unattractive  plants  were  it  not 
for  the  very  brilliant  C.  platycintei-a,  which  is  continually  in 
bloom  with  its  profusion  of  tubular,  waxy,  scarlet-coloured 
flowers  edged  with  white  and  tipped  with  black  :  the  plant  is 
of  dwarf  habit,  and  does  well  in  almost  any  locality.  (Soil 
No.  12.) 

Crataegus.  There  are  none  of  these  belonging  to  the  green- 
house ;  but  there  is  a  plant  in  the  collections,  known  as  C. 
glabra,  which  is  Photinia  serrnldta,  a  native  of  China,  and  is 
a  very  handsome  plant;  has  long  foliage,  deeply  serrated, 
very  shining.  P.  arhutifolia,  a  native  of  California,  and  is 
the  finest  of  the  genus ;  flowers  in  large  dense  panicles,  foliage 
larger  than  the  former,  and  not  so  deeply  serrated ;  they  are 
both  comparatively  hardy,  and  we  soon  expect  to  see  them 
acclimated.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Crinuni,  several  species  do  well  in  the  green-house,  espe- 
cially C.  Mexicdnum,  G.  capense,  and  G.  ascdtica :  they  re- 
quire considerable  pot-roc  a  to  make  them  do  well.  (Soil 
No.  12.) 

Grbwea  saligna  is  among  one  of  the  finest  plants  of  New 
South  Wales.  It  flowers  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  colour 
pink,  with  five  petals,  connected  by  entangled  hairs ;  in  flower 
from  April  to  December,  and  frequently  through  the  winter ; 
foliage  lanceolate,  and  a  fine  green.  The  plant  grows  neat, 
and  requires  an  airy  situation :  drain  the  pots  well.  (Soil 
No.  1.) 

Gunohia  cupensis,  the  only  species,  and  a  handsome  shrub, 
with  large  pinnated  shining  leaves,  beautifully  contrasted  by 
numerous  dense,  elongated  branches  of  small,  white  flowers, 
and  twigs  of  a  red  colour,  having  more  the  habit  of  a  tropical 
than  of  a  Cape  of  Grood  Hope  plant.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Gi/rtdnthus,  a  genus  of  Cape  bulbs,  containing  nine  species, 
and  will  do  very  well  in  the  green-house;  but  we  find  the 
assistance  of  the  hot-house  a  great  advantage.  They  ar<^ 
closely  allied  to  Grinum.  The  tubes  of  the  flowers  are  long 
and  round   with  various  shades  of  orange,  3'ellow,  red,  and 


228  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [J/trrcA, 

green.  O.  odbrus,  G.  stridtus,  0.  obliquus,  and  0.  vittdtus, 
are  the  finest.  When  the  bulbs  are  dormant,  which  will  be 
from  October  t-o  January,  they  should  not  get  any  water; 
before  they  begin  to  grow,  turn  the  bulbs  out  of  the  old 
earth,  repotting  it  immediately.  At  this  time  they  should  be 
potted  with  the  bulbs  of  earth  entire,  which  will  cause  them 
to  flower  stronger.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Dcwijneras,  four  species.  The  genus  is  named  in  honour 
of  Captain  W.  Dampier,  a  famous  voyager:  has  Lobelia-like 
flowers,  either  blue  or  purple.  C.  j^wpurea,  C.  unduUita, 
and  C.  strlcta,  are  the  finest;  the  former  two  are  shrubby; 
the  latter  is  herbaceous;  they  all  flower  freely.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Daviesias,  above  ten  species,  principally  natives  of  New 
South  Wales,  all  yellow  papilionaceous  flowers.  D.  ulicma, 
D.  latifblia,,  D.  aciculdris,  and  D.  incrassdta,  are  very  fine 
species,  flower  and  grow  freely,  and  require  to  be  well  drained : 
bloom  from  April  to  August.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Dillwynias,  above  twelve  species,  and  plants  very  little 
known.  D.  cinerescens,  D.  Jloribunda,  D.  teretifblia,  and 
D.  phylicoides,  are  desirable  plants;  flowers  small,  papilio- 
naceous, and  colour  yellow  and  red.  They  are  very  liable  to 
suffer  from  too  much  wet;  while  dormant,  therefore,  the  pots 
must  be  efi'ectually  drained.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Didsmas.  This  pretty  genus  of  heath-looking  plants  has 
recently  been  very  much  divided  by  botanical  professors. 
The  genera  that  they  have  been  given  to  are  Adendndra, 
Acmddenia,  Agathdsma,  and  Bardsma.  However,  we  incline 
to  adhere  to  the  original  name,  and  recommend  D.  cwpitdtaf 
D.  oppositlfblia,  D.  rubra,  D.  dlba,  D.  fragrans,  D.  unljlora, 
D.  serratifblia,  D.  specibsa,  and  D.  pulchella.  They  aie  all 
profuse  blooming  plants,  with  generally  small  flowers  of  a 
white  lilac  or  pink  colour.  It  is  supposed  that  the  dried 
leaves  of  pidchella  are  used  by  the  Hottentots  as  powder  to 
mix  with  the  grease  with  which  they  anoint  their  bodies. 
Some  travellers  assert  that  it  gives  them  so  rank  an  odour 
that  they  sometimes  could  not  bear  the  smell  of  those  who 
were  their  guides.  In  fact,  the  foliage  of  all,  if  rubbed  by 
the  hand  while  on  the  plantj  has  a  very  strong  smell,  some  of 
them  very  agreeable,  others  disagreeable.  They  are  all  ever- 
green, small,  neat-growing  shrubs.  They  require,  whilo 
growing  luxuriantly,  to  have  their  young  shoots  topped  to 
make  them  bushy  ;  drain  all  the  pots  well  and  keep  them  i» 


March.^  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  229 

airy  situations,  and  not  crowded  '"with  other  plants,  or  they 
will  become  slender  and  unsightly.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Dipldcus  puniceus.  This  shrubby  (^mimulus)  plant  was 
introduced  by  Mr.  Nuttall,  from  California,  by  seeds,  in  1836, 
and  sent  by  us  to  England,  in  1837.  The  flowers  are  of  a 
scarlet  orange,  about  one  inch  and  a  half  long,  and  produce  in 
pairs,  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  or  young  wood;  the  plant 
requires  considerable  nourishment,  for  the  more  rapid  it 
grows,  the  more  profuse  are  its  flowers,  which  bloom  from 
May  to  September,  and  are  rath  ^r  showy.  In  the  Southern 
States  it  will  prove  a  hardy  shrut,  blooming  nearly  the  whole 
year.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

DractEna,  or  Dragon  tree.  The  D.  austrdlis  and  D.ferrea 
will  keep  in  the  green-house,  and  are  attractive  plants  for 
their  foliage,  especially  the  latter,  which  is  of  a  purple  crim- 
son, and  very  unique;  the  flowers  are  on  large  terminal  spikes. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Dorydnthus  excelsa,  a  yitcca-looking  plant  belonging  to  the 
natural  order  of  Amaryllidea;  the  leaves  arise  from  the  root, 
and  are  about  three  inches  wide  and  three  feet  long;  the 
flowers  are  bright  crimson,  surmounted  on  a  stem  about 
twenty  feet  high.  The  plant  does  not  bloom  till  it  is  of  con- 
siderable size.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Drydndras.  This  genus  is  closely  allied  in  character  and 
habits  to  Bdnksia,  and  contains  above  sixteen  species.  D. 
nivea  has  most  beautiful  foliage,  very  long  and  deeply  in- 
dented. D.  formbsa  has  a  scent  like  the  fruit  of  an  apricot. 
D.  nervbso,  1).  Jioribunda,  D.  armdta,  D.  plumbsa,  D.  Bax- 
teri,  D.  nervosa,  and  D.  falcdta  are  the  most  conspicuous,  and 
all  highly  desirable  plants  in  collections.  They  are  very 
delicate  of  importation  ;  flowers  are  straw  and  orange-coloured, 
and  thistle-like.  Seeds  in  small  cones.  Treat  them  the  same 
as  directed  for  Banksias.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Di/ckias,  two  species  of  very  curious  growing  plants,  of  a 
dwarf  habit,  with  bright  orange  flowers ;  they  may  be  culti- 
vated with  the  aloe  tribe,  to  which  they  have  a  similarity. 
D.  rarijibra  and  D.  rnmotijibra  ;  the  latter  is  in  the  country. 
(Soil  No.  IS.) 

Eclieveria,  a  genus  of  succulent  plants  chiefly  from  Mexico 
and  California.  E.  grandijibra ,  flowers  green  and  red.  E. 
•pulveruUnta,  flowers  red.  The  foliage  of  this  species  is  deli- 
cately covered  with  powdei  which  gives  it  a  very  beautiful 
20 


230  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [^March. 

appearance.  E.  hicblor  is  also  a  pretty  species  :  they  require 
to  be  kept  very  dry  during  winter.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Ediodrdsias,  about  four  species,  very  beautiful  foliaged 
plants,  and  have  very  curious  yellow  flowers,  but  do  not 
flower  until  the  plant  becomes  large.  E.  grandifibra,  E. 
chrijsbphylla,  and  E.  micrbjyhylla,  are  the  best,  and  are  tole- 
rably hardy,  though  doubtful  of  ever  being  acclimated.  The 
flowers  are  leguminose,  foliage  ovate,  pinnate,  from  eight  to 
forty  on  one  footstalk,  and  appear  to  be  covered  with  gold 
dust.  The  hardier  they  are  grown,  the  more  visible  it  will 
appear.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Elichrysums.  This  genus  is  now  extinct,  and  two  splendid 
species  of  it  given  to  others.  E.  proliferum  is  now  Phoena' 
coma  prolifera,  and  has  beautiful  purple-rayed  flowers,  and 
highly  esteemed  :  the  foliage -small,  round,  ovate,  smooth,  and 
closely  imbricated.  E.  spectdhlle  is  now  Aphilexis  hiimilis, 
has  pine-like  foliage,  and  large  light  purple  flowers.  Care 
must  be  taken  that  they  are  not  over-watered ;  drain  the  pots 
well.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Enkidnthus,  only  two  species,  both  very  fine.  E.  quinque- 
Jlorus  has  large  ovate,  acuminate  foliage,  flowers  pink  and 
pendulous;  very  handsome.  E.  reticuldnis,  the  foliage  is 
netted,  and  the  flowers  blush  :  they  are  liable,  when  dormant, 
to  suff'er  from  wet.  Be  sure  to  drain  the  pots  well,  and  be 
sparing  in  water  while  in  that  state.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Epdcris,  above  twelve  species,  and  all  very  ornamental. 

E.  grandijibra  has  been  celebrated  ever  since  it  was  known; 
the  foliage  is  small,  flat,  and  acuminate ;  flowers  tubular  and 
pendulous ;  bright  crimson,  with  a  tinge  of  white,  and  very 
abundant ;  in  flower  from  January  to  June.  E.  pulcMlla  is 
likewise  a  most  beautiful  plant ;  foliage  very  small  and  closely 
set,  flowers  pure  white,  and  in  long  spikes,  sweet-scented. 
E.  imprdssa,  foliage  impressed,  and  flowers  of  a  rose  colour. 
E.  paluddsa,  flowers  white,  grows  and  flowers  very  hand- 
somely, and  is  very  fragrant.  E.  purpwdscens  T^ibra  is  a 
variety,  with  good  bright  red  flowers.  E.  p)(dUda,  rose-co- 
loured, long  tubular  flowers.  E.  nivalis,  rosy  white.  E. 
Tovniii,  beautiful  rosy  blush  colour.  These,  with  several 
others,  are  very  desirable.  They  are  mostly  erect-growing 
plants ;  flower  from  January  till  August,  and  a  rough,  turfy, 
sandy  soil  is  found  most  congenial.  They  are  natives  of  tha 
mountainous  districts  of  New  South  Wales.     The  pots  must 


Maich-I  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  231 

be  well  drained ;  the  roots  will  run  with  avidity  among  the 
potshreds.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Ericas,  heath.  There  are  in  cultivation  in  Europe  above 
five  hundred  and  fifty  species  and  vai-ieties  of  this  magnificent 
genus.  About  sixty  years  ago  it  consisted  only  of  a  few 
humble  British  plants,  with  the  heath  of  Spain,  U.  Mediter- 
ranea,  which  is  at  present  mosl  common  in  our  collections, 
though  in  a  few  years  we  may  expect  to  see  it  supplanted  by 
others  more  splendid. 

In  their  native  countries  they  are  adapted  to  a  great  many 
useful  purposes.  In  the  north  ^.f  Britain  the  poorer  inhabit- 
ants cover  their  cabins  or  huts  with  heath,  and  build  the  walls 
with  alternate  layers  of  it  and  a  kind  of  cement  made  with 
straw  and  clay.  They  likewise  brew  ale  and  distil  spirits  from 
the  tender  shoots;  and  it  has  b*^en  known  to  be  used  in  dye- 
ing, tanning,  and  many  other  useful  domestic  purposes.  En- 
comium on  their  beauty  is  not  r^^quisite ;  they  are  almost  as 
diversified  in  colour  as  colour  itself.  Many  are  graceful  and 
elegant ;  hundreds  are  pretty ;  a  few  noble  and  splendid ; 
others  grotesque,  curious,  and  odoriferous.  To  cultivate  and 
propagate  them  is  considered  onr^  of  the  most  delicate  branches 
of  floriculture.  Nevertheless,  it  has  been  said  by  a  scientific 
writer,  that  "those  who  compl?in  of  the  difficulty  of  grow- 
ing the  heath,  are  ignorant  people,  who  have  never  had  a 
heath  to  grow."  The  most  splendid  collection  in  Europe  is 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  M'Nab,  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Garden, 
Edinburgh,  where  there  are  two  large  houses  devoted  to  their 
culture ;  and  through  the  whole  year  a  continued  profusion 
of  bloom  is  kept  up.  Some  ^f  the  plants  are  eight  feet  in 
diameter  and  fourteen  feet  high.  The  soil  used  is  a  coarse 
sandy  peat.  Pots  drained  with  potshreds,  and  pieces  of  free- 
stone are  put  down  the  sides  of  \,he  large  pots  and  tubs ;  where 
these  can  be  had  they  aro  essential  to  the  culture  of  moun- 
tainous plants,  preventing  them  from  being  saturated  with 
moisture,  or  from  becoming  dry,  thus  keeping  the  roots  in  a 
medium  state ;  for  if  once  the  roots  are  allowed  to  get  tho- 
roughly dried,  no  art  of  the  gardener  can  recover  them.  This 
n..ay  be  the  true  reason  why  they  are  said  to  be  difficult  of 
cultivation. 

In  the  summer  season,  the  pots  must  be  kept  out  of  the 
riolent  sun,  for  in  a  few  hours  the  pots  would  become  heated| 


232 


GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING. 


\_Mareh. 


dry  the  roots,  and  cause  death,  or  a  brownness  of  foliage 
which  would  never  again  become  natural.  In  winter,  too, 
much  fire  heat  will  also  hurt  them.  They  only  require  to  be 
kept  free  from  frost,  need  a  great  deal  of  air,  and  plenty  of 
light;  consequently,  should  be  placed  near  the  glass,  that 
they  may  have  the  benefit  of  all  the  air  that  is  admitted. 
Their  flowers  are  as  varied  in  shape  as  variety  or  colour,  but 
they  all  partake  of  a  wax-like  nature,  and  are  very  persistent. 
(Soil  No.  5  for  young  plants:  when  older,  No.  6  will  do 
better.) 

The  finest  and  most  select  varieties  that  appear  to  withstand 
the  severity  of  the  summer  are  the  following : 


WHITE   FLOWERS. 

Arhorea, 

Bowiednay 

Cdfra, 

Co7iferta, 

Jesminajibra, 

MargarUdceaj 

Odordta, 

Pellucida, 

PJiylicbides. 


YELLOW   FLOWERS. 

Capitdta, 
Epistoma, 
Grandiflbra. 

SCARLET  FLOWERS. 


RED   FLOAVERS. 

Bella, 

Ganaliculatay 

Ourvrjibra  rtlhra, 

Gracilis, 

Ignescens, 

Flukenetii, 

Pi  Ilea, 

3Iediterrdnea. 


Ardens, 
Coccinea, 

"      grandiflbra,  PURPLE  FLOWERS, 
Yernix  coccinea, 
Vestita  coccinea.        Amcena. 


Denticuldta, 

Fasciculdris, 

Sispidula, 

Mammosa^ 

Pubescens, 

Tenella. 


VARIOUS  COLOURS 


Ahetina, 
Bdccans, 
Cerinthbides. 


Criienta  svjperha, 
Ruhida, 
Tuhiflbra, 
Ventricbsa  superba. 


Eriahbtrya  japdnica,  Loquat,  or  Ilespilus  japdnica,  is  a 
fine  plant,  with  large  lanceolate,  distinctly  serrated  leaves, 
white  underneath ;  small  white  flowers  on  a  racemose  spike, 
and  produces  a  fruit  about  the  size  of  a  walnut,  of  a  fine 
yellow  blush  colour,  and  of  tartish  flavour.  If  it  flowers  in 
the  autumn,  it  will  require  the  heat  of  a  hot-house  to  ripen 


March.'\  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  ? 'na 

the  fruit  It  is  of  very  easy  culture,  and  its  noble  aspect  is 
never  passed  unobserved.  It  is  perfectly  hardy  in  the  Southern 
States,  and  forms  a  handsome  evergreen.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Erodiums,  Heron's  bill.  There  are  about  thirty  species, 
all  of  a  geranium  character,  and  there  are  among  them  some 
very  pretty  flowering,  soft-wooded,  shrubby,  herbaceous,  and 
annual  plants.  Only  a  few  of  them  belong  to  the  green-house, 
of  which  E.  incarndtum,  E.  crasst'fblmm,  and  E.  lacinidtuni 
are  the  finest ;  culture  similar  to  Genhiium.  The  flowers  of 
these  are  scarlet,  pentapetalous  and  veiny.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Eri/thiina  crlstdgdlli,  or  Coral  plant.  If  this  magnificent 
scarlet  flowering  plant  is  desired  to  be  kept  in  a  pot  or  tub, 
it  must  have  a  repotting  every  month  till  September :  to  keep 
it  in  fine  blooming  condition,  it  is  worthy  of  extra  care,  as  it 
will  bloom  three  times  during  the  season,  if  well  treated. 
(Soil  No.  18.)  For  other  methods,  see  Flower-Garden  for 
April,  May,  and  November. 

Escalldnia,  a  shrubby  genus,  of  about  ten  species,  of  rather 
neat  blooming  plants,  of  a  strong  shrubby  habit.  They  re- 
quire great  encouragement  to  flower  them  well,  if  kept  in  pots ; 
the  best  mode  of  treatment  would  be  to  plant  them  in  pits  with 
other  half  hardy  shrubs.  E.  rubra,  red  flowering ;  E.  grandi- 
Jiora,  white;  E.  macrantlia,  a  very  beautiful  evergreen,  pro- 
fusely covered  with  waxy  pink  flowers,  are  the  finest.  (Soil 
No.  12.)  They  are  perfectly  hardy  south  of  Virginia,  and  we 
are  not  certain  but  they  may  become  acclimated  here. 

Eucalyptus,  above  fifty  species  of  them,  and  the  tallest 
growing  trees  of  New  Holland ;  foliage  very  diversified, 
generally  of  a  hard  glaucous  texture.  From  their  rapid 
growth,  they  soon  grow  higher  than  the  loftiest  house.  The 
most  conspicuous  are  E.  corddta,  E.  rostrdta,  E.  radidta, 
E.  pidvigera,  E.  glbhifera,  E  pulveruUnta,  and  E.  resinifera. 
In  Van  Diemen's  Land,  a  manufactory  has  been  established, 
where  a  tannin  is  extracted  from  many  of  the  species.  The 
last  mentioned  produces  gum  like  that  which  the  druggists 
call  Kino.  They  ought  not  to  be  too  much  fostered,  as  it 
would  in  some  degree  retard  their  growth.  They  are  of  a 
very  hardy  nature.  When  large,  the  plants  will  flower  freely, 
and  are  similar  in  flower  to  Myrtle  ;  many  stamina,  proceeding 
from  a  hard  nut-like  capsule.      (Soil  No.  6.) 

Euonymus,  a  few  of  this  genus  h-ive  been  recently  intro- 
20* 


234  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [March. 

duced  from  China  and  Japan.  Such  as  U.  japonica*  with 
its  burnished  green  foliage,  and  its  variety  with  silver-edged 
foliage — E.  jimbriata,  large  dark-green  foliage.  They  all 
produce  scarlet  berries  in  winter,  and  are  highly  ornamental 
in  the  South  for  hedges,  lawns,  or  edgings.  They  are  green- 
house plants  in  the  Eastern  and  Northern  States.     (Soil  No. 

11-) 

Eupatorium.  There  is  only  one  species  deserving  of  culti- 
vation in  the  green-house;  flowers  syngenesious,  white,  and 
in  large  flattened  panicles ;  very  sweet-scented.  The  plant, 
when  growing  freely,  in  the  beginning  of  summer,  should  be 
topped,  which  would  make  it  more  bushy ;  if  not,  it  is  apt  to 
grow  straggling.  Known  in  our  collections  as  E.  elegdns. 
(Soil  No.  8.) 

Eutdxias,  two  species.  E.  myrtifolia  is  a  most  beautiful 
free-flowering  evergreen  shrub ;  foliage  small,  but  very  neat ; 
flowers  leguminose,  small  and  very  many ;  colour  yellow  and 
red ;  grows  freely.  The  young  plants  should  be  frequently 
topped,  or  they  will  grow  naked  and  unsightly.  E.  pungcns, 
similar  to  the  other  except  in  foliage.  They  flower  from 
March  to  June,  and  ought  to  have  a  place  in  every  green- 
house.    Culture  very  easy.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Ftcus,  a  few  species,  arc  good  plants  for  this  department, 
especially  F.  eldstica;  leaves  smooth,  shining  green,  fre- 
quently six  inches  wide  and  twelve  long :  this  is  the  plant 
that  produces  the  gum  elastic  or  Indian  rubber.  E.  aus- 
trdlis  is  also  an  excellent  evergreen,  with  elliptic  dull-green 
foliage ;  very  rusty  underneath ;  they  grow  almost  too  freely. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Fuchsia,  or  Ladies'  Ear-drop.  There  is  an  endless  variety 
of  this  lovely  genus  of  deciduous  small  shrubs  now  cultivated, 
and  are  indispensable  decorations  during  the  summer  and  au- 
tumnal months  for  our  green-houses,  conservatories,  piazzas, 
and  verandahs.  If  we  had  only  a  cellar,  a  window,  or  a 
piazza,  we  would  have  a  Fuchsia.  Amongst  the  many  scar- 
lets we  name  Alp)ha,  Caroline,  Don  Giovanna,  Expansion, 
Gem,  Orion,  and  Yoltigeur.  These  are  very  superb  varieties; 
some  of  the  flowers  are  two  and  a  half  inches  long  and  two 
inches  in  diameter.     The  following  are  light-coloured  varieties, 

*  This  plant  is  in  some  collections  as  a  variegated-leaved  camellia, 
and  IS  perfectly  bar  ly  with  us.     Does  well  in  the  shade. 


MarcJi.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  235 

indeed  nearly  white,  with  a  purple  or  pink  centre,  forming  a 
beautiful  contrast  with  the  deep  crimson  and  purple  sorts ; 
Elizabeth,  Pearl  of  Enrjland^  Prince  Arthur,  Madam  Sontay, 
Sidovia.  To  grow  these  in  perfection,  they  require  to  be 
very  frequently  shifted,  as  they  advance  in  growth,  till  you 
have  them  in  pots  ten  inches  wide.  Just  now,  I  have  plants 
only  sis  months  from  the  cutting  that  are  four  feet  high 
and  sixteen  feet  in  circumference,  loaded  with  thousands 
of  flowers,  and  are  the  admiration  of  every  beholder.  They 
require  liberal  supplies  of  water.  F.  Julgens  is  a  distinct 
species;  the  foliage  is  very  different  from  any  other  sort; 
leaves  of  a  well-grown  plant  are  four  inches  wide  and  five 
inches  and  a  half  long :  the  flowers  are  from  two  inches  and 
a  half  to  three  inches  long,  of  a  pink  and  scarlet  colour,  and 
the  plant  is  nearly  tuberous.  We  would  recommend  our 
readers  to  grow  them  from  seeds  when  obtained :  it  is  well 
known  they  will  produce  variety,  and  it  is  even  supposed  by 
some  that  the  seeds  of  F.  coccinea  have  produced  by  hy- 
bridizing nearly  all  the  varieties  of  the  present  day,  which 
exceed  one  hundred :  most  of  the  flowers  are  a  bright  scarlet, 
the  stamens  are  encircled  with  a  petal  of  bright  purple,  and 
are  of  very  curious  construction;  they  bear  a  dark  purple 
berry,  and  are  of  the  easiest  cultivation ;  but  during  summer 
the  pots  must  be  carefully  kept  from  the  sun,  although  the 
plants  will  not  be  affected  by  it.  If  the  plants  are  young 
and  growing  freely,  we  find  that  a  deluge  of  rain,  and  after- 
wards a  hot  day,  is  their  instant  death.  Some  of  them  do 
tolerably  well  when  planted  in  the  flower-garden  early  in 
May.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Fahidna,  a  genus  of  new  plants  that  will  prove  entirely 
hardy  in  the  Southern  States ;  they  are  upright-growing 
shrubs,  with  delicate  foliage.  F.  imhricdfa  is  the  most  popu- 
lar, producing  a  profusion  of  white  tubular  flowers  about  an 
inch  long,  of  easy  culture  in  soil  No.  12. 

Gardoqiua  Hookeri,  a  very  pretty  dwarf  plant — native  of 
the  Floridas ;  it  blooms  profusely  from  June  to  October ; 
flowers  are  about  one  inch  and  a  half  long,  of  a  tubular 
labiate  form,  of  a  bright  orange  colour;  it  is  easy  of  culture 
in  soil  No.  1. 

Gelsemium  nitidum,  Carolina  jasmine,  a  most  beautiful 
climbing  evergreen,  flowering  shrub.  In  the  months  of  April 
and  May  it  produces  many  large  jellow  trumpet-like  blossoma 


236  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [Jfan/i 

of  delicious  fragrance.  If  much  encouraged  in  growth,  it 
■will  not  flower  so  freely.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Genista :  a  few  of  these  are  very  pretty,  free-flowering 
shrubs.  G.  ramosus,  G.  caiiariensis,  G.  tricuqjiddta,  G. 
cuspidosa,  and  G.  umhelldta,  are  the  finest  green-house  spe- 
cies. All  of  them  have  yellow  leguminose  flowers  in  great 
abundance;  leaves  small,  lanceolate.     (Soil  No.  1.) 

Geranium,  Cranes-bill,  a  distinct  family  from  the  Pelargo- 
nium, though  adapted  to  the  same  culture  and  even  more, 
extensively  as  border  or  bedding-out  plants  that  ornament  the 
parterre  from  May  to  November  with  their  dazzling  scarlet 
and  bright  pink  flowers,  very  generally  known  as  Fish  or 
Horse-shoe  geraniums.  In  pots,  they  bloom  in  the  green- 
house the  whole  winter ;  and  where  that  convenience  is  not  at 
band,  they  do  very  well  in  a  dry  cellar,  free  from  frost,  from 
whence  take  them  in  April,  cut  them  well  down,  and  plant 
them  into  the  garden  in  rich  soil;  the  cuttings,  after  being 
allowed  to  dry  a  few  days,  may  be  planted,  and  will  by  mid- 
summer bloom  profusely;  when  frost  approaches,  place  them 
in  their  winter  quarters.  The  best  are,  Brompton  Hero,  Tom 
Thumb,  Gem,  Royalist  and  Symmetry,  all  scarlets;  Flower  of 
the'  Day  and  Queen  of  Summer,  variegated  leaved ;  Luceo 
Ilo!3ea,  Princess  Alice  and  Lady  Holmsdale,  pinks;  not  omitting 
Hendersonii,  the  new  white-flowered  variety. 

G7iaphdlium,  everlasting.  There  are  about  ten  species, 
most  of  them  very  splendid,  persistent  flowers.  G.  exlmia, 
has  brilliant  red  flowers.  G.  spiralis,  G.  speciosissima,  G. 
friLticans,  G.  orianfdlum,  and  G.  hnhricdtum,  are  all  very 
fine;  pots  must  be  well  drained.     (Soil  No.  8.) 

Gorteria  persondta  is  the  only  species  that  belongs  to  this 
genus,  and  is  an  annual.  There  are  several  plants  in  our 
collections  known  as  Gorterias,  but  which  properly  are  Gazd- 
nia,  of  which  there  are  five  species.  G.  ringens,  when  the 
flowers  are  fully  expanded  (which  will  only  be  while  exposed 
to  the  sun,  closing  at  night,  and  opening  again  with  the  in- 
fluence of  the  sun's  rays),  is  a  great  beauty.  The  rays  of 
the  flowers  are  bright  orange,  and  the  centre  dark  purple. 
G.  pavbnia  has  handsome  foliage;  flowers  similar  to  G.  rin- 
ijcns,  except  the  centre  of  the  flower  being  spotted,  and  ia 
thought  to  be  the  finest,  but  does  not  flower  so  freely.  G. 
heteropliylla  is  of  the  same  character,  except  the  foliage, 
vrhich  is  variable,  the  colour  orange  and  vermilion.     They 


JUarch.'}  green-house — ^repottino.  237 

are  dwarf-growing  plants,  and  during  the  montbs  of  July, 
August,  and  September,  are  liable  to  damp  off  at  the  surface 
of  tbe  eartb,  from  the  action  of  heat  and  too  much  water. 
Pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  the  plants  kept  partially  in 
the  shade.  Their  flowers  are  syngenesious,  and  about  two 
inches  in  diameter.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Habrdnthus,  about  ten  species  of  small  South  American 
bulbs,  nearly  allied  to  Amaryllis.  H.  Andersdnii,  H.  ver&i' 
color,  H.  Candida,  and  H.  rohusta,  are  fine ;  they  are  in 
colour  yellow,  blue,  white,  and  lilac.  We  have  very  little 
doubt  but  these  bulbs  will  do  to  plant  out  in  the  garden  in 
April,  and  be  lifted  in  October.  Keep  them  from  frost. 
Thus  treated,  they  are  very  desirable.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Ileli/chrysums,  above  forty  species,  chiefly  belonging  to  the 
green-house — all  everlasting  flowers.  H.  grandijibrum,  H. 
arhoreum,  H.frdgrans,  H.  adoratlssimum,  H.  /ruticans,  and 
H.  fiUyidiim,  are  all  very  esteemed  species,  mostly  with  soft 
downy  foliage.  The  pots  should  be  well  drained,  and  the 
plants  kept  in  an  airy  situation,  as  they  suff"er  from  the  least 
damp.  If  the  flowers  are  cut  off"  before  they  fade,  they  will 
retain  for  many  years  all  the  splendour  of  their  beauty;  but 
if  allowed  to  decay  on  the  plant,  they  will  soon  become  musty, 
and  all  their  colour  fade.      (Soil  No.  6.) 

Hihhertlas,  about  ten  species.  Three  of  them  are  known 
to  be  fine  climbing  evergreen  shrubs,  namely,  H.  glossular- 
ice/olia ;  H.  dentdia;  H.  voluhiUs,  if  closely  approached,  has 
a  disagreeable  smell;  H.  fasciciddta,  H.  Saligna,  and  H. 
pedunciddta,  are  evergreen  shrubs ;  they  have  pure  yellow 
flowers  of  five  petals,  blooming  from  May  to  September. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

Hdveas,  about  eight  species,  pretty  plants  of  New  South 
Wales,  blue  pea-flowering  evergreen  shrubs;  the  finest  are 
IT.  pandsa,  H.  atropui-piirea,  H.  linedris,  H.  rosmarinifolia, 
H.  long  I  folia,  and  H.  Oelsii,  which  is  the  most  superb,  and 
flowers  in  abundance.  They  grow  and  flower  freely;  the  pota 
should  be  drained.      (Soil  No.  6.) 

Hypericums,  St.  John's  wort,  about  twenty  species.  A  few 
of  them  are  very  showy,  and  with  few  exceptions  have  yellow 
flowers.  H.  mondgyniun,  H.  halearicum,  H.  Jlorihiindum, 
H.  canariense,  II.  cegyptiacum  and  H.  cochin-chinense,  which 
has  scarlet  flowers,  are  among  the  best,  and  all  of  them  flower 
freely;  five  petals,  filaments  many  in  three  or  five  parcels. 


238  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  iMdrch. 

They  are  all  of  very  easy  cultivation,  and  bloom  generally 
from  April  to  September.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Hydrangea  hortensis  is  a  well-known  plant,  and  much 
esteemed  for  its  great  profusion  of  very  elegant,  though  mon- 
strous flowers.  They  are  naturally  of  a  pink  colour,  but 
under  certain  circumstances  of  culture  they  become  blue.  If 
grown  in  brown  loam  with  a  little  sand,  they  will  preserve 
their  original  colour ;  but  if  grown  in  swamp  earth  with  a 
little  mould  of  decayed  leaves,  they  will  become  blue.* 
The  swamp  earth  and  vegetable  mould  being  more  combined 
with  aluminous  salt  than  brown  loam,  is  the  cause  of  the 
change :  and,  when  first  found  out  (which  was  merely  by 
chance),  was  thought  a  great  wonder.  It  must  have  a  very 
plentiful  supply  of  water  when  in  flower,  which  is  produced  on 
the  shoots  of  the  previous  year.  They  will  neither  grow  nor 
flower  well  if  they  are  not  kept  constantly  in  the  shade. 
When  kept  in  the  sun,  the  foliage  is  very  brown;  and  by 
being  neglected  in  watering,  we  have  seen  the  flowers  com- 
pletely scourged.  S.  Japdnica,  a  new  variety  with  pink 
flowers,  and  the  same  disposition  to  change  colour,  a  little  fra- 
grant. Being  tolerably  hardy,  when  the  winters  are  mild,  by 
a  little  protection  iu  the  open  air,  they  will  flower  profusely ; 
the  flowers  will  be  very  large,  and  in  bloom  from  June  to  Oc- 
tober.    They  are  deciduous,  soft-wooded  shrubs. 

Ilex,  Holly,  of  /.  aquifolium.  There  are  above  one  hun- 
dred of  them  in  cultivation  in  Europe,  difi"ering  in  variegation, 
margin  shape,  and  size  of  the  leaves :  some  are  only  prickly 
on  the  ruargin  of  the  foliage,  others  prickly  over  all  the  sur- 
face. In  Europe  they  are  all  hardy,  but  with  us  few  or  none 
of  the  varieties  are  so.  If  they  become  acclimated,  they  will 
be  a  great  ornament  to  our  gardens,  being  all  low  evergreen 
shrubs.  The  most  common  and  conspicuous  varieties  are  the 
hedge-hog,  striped  hedge-hog,  lohite  hedge,  gold  edged,  and 
painted ;  the  flowers  are  white  and  small,  berries  yellow  or 
red;  they  do  not  agree  with  exposure  to  the  sun.  /.  Casslne 
and  I.  vomitbria  have  very  bitter  leaves,  and,  though  natives 
of  Carolina,  we  have  to  give  them  the  protection  of  a  green- 
bouse.     It  is  said  that  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year  the  In- 

*  Mix  the  iron  sparks  from  the  blacksmith's  shop  with  any  kind  of 
soil,  and  they  -will  be  a  beautiful  blue.  One  and  a  half  quarts  to  a 
bushel  will  do. 


March.']  GREEN-HOUSE — ^REPOTTING.  239 

dkns  make  a  strong  decoction  of  the  leaves,  whicli  makes 
them  vomit  freely,  and  after  drinking  and  vomiting  for  a  few 
days  they  consider  themselves  sufficiently  purified.     (Soil  No. 

Illiciums,  Anise-seed  tree,  three  species.  I.  Jloriddnum  has 
very  sweet-scented,  double  purple  flowers,  and  the  plant  grows 
freely  and  systematically  if  properly  treated,  and  deserves 
particular  attention.  1.  parvijlbrwn  has  small  yellow  flowers  ; 
/.  anisdtum  is  so  very  like  /.  parvijlorum  in  every  respect  as 
to  make  us  conclude  they  are  the  same,  were  I.  anisdtum  not 
a  native  of  China,  and  the  other  two  natives  of  Florida. 
When  the  leaves  and  capsules  of  either  of  them  are  rubbed, 
they  have  a  very  strong  smell  of  anise ;  they  grow  very  freely. 
(Soil  No.  1.) 

Indigbfera ;  Indigo  tree,  about  twenty  species,  belong  to 
the  green-house,  and  are  chiefly  pretty  free-flowering  shrubs. 
I.  denuddta,  I.  amcena,  I.  austrdlis,  I.  angiddta,  I.  cdndi- 
cans,  and  /.  Jili/dlia,  are  very  fine ;  flowers  papilionaceous,  in 
long  panicles;  colour  various,  red,  blue,  yellow  and  pink. 
(Soil  No.  6.) 

Jacksdnias,  a  genus  consisting  of  five  species.  The  foliage 
is  varied,  and  all  natives  of  New  South  Wales.  J.  scopdria, 
J.  hdrrida,  and  J.  reticuldta,  are  the  finest ;  the  small  flowers 
come  out  of  the  young  shoots,  are  yellow  and  papilionaceous; 
the  pots  should  be  well  drained.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Jamhosa  vidgdris,  or  Eugeriia  j'dmbds,  is  a  splendid  ever- 
green tree,  producing  a  fruit  of  an  agreeable  odour  and  called 
rose  apple,  t/.  austrdlis  has  a  very  neat  habit,  and  produces 
purple  fruit;  they  are  of  the  earliest  culture  in  soil  No.  12. 

Jasminum,  Jasmine.  A  few  species  of  this  genus  are 
celebrated  either  for  the  green-house  or  rooms.  J.  odoratis- 
simuvi,  Azorian,  has  very  sweet-scented  yellow  flowers,  bloom- 
ing from  April  to  November.  J.  i-emliitum  is  the  earliest 
flowering  one,  and  of  the  same  colour;  it  is  apt  to  grow 
straggling,  and  should  be  close  pruned  as  soon  as  done 
blooming,  which  will  be  in  May.  J.  puhigerum  is  also  yel- 
low. J.  grandijibrum  is  frequently  called  Catalonian,  and 
should  be  pruned  early  in  spring  to  make  it  bloom  well, 
^specially  old  plants.  J.  multijlbrum,  profuse  flowering  white. 
/.  nudijlorum,  a  beautiful  winter  blooming  species,  recently 
from  Japan.  These  plants  are  all  perfectly  hardy  in  the 
Sou4.k«;rn  States.     J.  ojficindle  is  a  hardy  climbing  plant  for 


240  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  iMarch. 

arbours,  walls,  &c.     There  are  several  varieties  of  it.     (Soil 
No.  3.) 

Justicias.  Only  a  few  of  these  belong  to  the  green-house. 
J.  carnea  is  the  most  splendid,  being  crowned  with  its  bright 
rosy  pink  spikes  of  flowers  nearly  the  whole  year.  Give  it 
good  large  pots,  well  drained.  J.  adhdtoda,  Malabar-nut. 
These  are  the  only  ones  that  are  worth  observation,  and  are 
very  easily  cultivated  in  any  soil. 

Kennedias,  about  twelve  species,  all  beautiful  evergreen 
climbers  of  the  easiest  culture,  and  flower  abundantly.  K. 
monophylla,  blue-flowered,  and  K.  ruhicunda,  crimson-flow- 
ered, are  common  in  our  collections.  K.  prostrdta,  one- 
flowered  scarlet,  and  K.  coccinea,  many-flowered  scarlet,  are 
very  pretty.  K.  Comptonidna  has  splendid  purple  flowers, 
K.  nigricans,  black  flowers,  and  K.  spUndens  and  K.  marry- 
dtta  are  thought  the  most  superb.  They  have  bright  crimson 
flowers,  and  are  yet  rare  in  our  collections.  The  pots  should 
be  well  drained;  flowers  are  either  in  racemose  spikes  or 
solitary,  which  is  rather  too  much  distinction  for  the  same 
genus.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Lasiopeialums,  only  two  species.  There  were  a  few  more, 
but  they  are  now  Thomdsias,  plants  of  no  merit  whatever 
in  regard  to  flower;  foliage  three-lobed,  small,  rough,  and 
rusty-like.  Thomdsia  solandcca  and  T.  quercifdlia  are  the 
best  species;  foliage  of  the  former  is  large,  cordate,  and 
deeply  indented ;  thev  are  all  of  the  easiest  culture.  (Soil 
No.  1.) 

Latlrus.  A  few  species  are  green-house  plants.  This 
genus  has  been  divided  to  Cinnamdmuni ;  still  there  are  a 
few  celebrated  plants  in  the  original.  L.  ndbilis,  sweet-bay, 
though  hardy,  is  kept  under  protection.  It  will  bear  the 
winter  with  a  little  straw  covering;  notwithstanding,  there 
should  be  a  plant  kept  in  the  house  in  case  of  accident  by 
frost  or  otherwise ;  there  is  a  variegated  variety  of  it.  L. 
indica,  royal  bay,  L.  foetens,  L.  aggregdta  and  L.  glauca, 
are  favourites.  There  is  a  species  known  in  our  collections 
as  L.  scdbra.  The  Camphor  tree,  known  as  L.  camphdra,  is 
Cinndmomum  campho7-a ;  the  wood,  leaves,  and  roots  of  this 
tree  have  a  very  strong  odour  of  camphor.  It  is  obtained 
by  distillation  from  the  roots  and  small  branches,  which  are 
cut  into  chips,  and  put  into  a  net  suspended  within  an  iron 
pot,  the  bottom  of  which  is  covered  with  water,  having  ap 


March.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  241 

earthen  head  fitted  in  it;  heat  is  then  applied,  and  the  steam 
)f  the  boiling  water  acting  upon  the  contents  of  the  net, 
elevates  the  camphor  into  the  capital,  where  it  concretes  on 
the  staws,  with  which  this  part  of  the  apparatus  is  lined. 
Thej  are  all  fine  evergreens  (which  the  name  denotes),  and 
easily  cultivated.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Lavdndulas,  Lavender.  About  seven  species  belong  to  the 
green-house,  and  a  few  of  them  very  pretty  soft-wooded,  half 
shrubby  plants,  and,  if  touched,  are  highly  scented.  L.  den- 
tdta  has  narrow  serrated  foliage,  very  neat ;  L.  formbsa,  and 
L.  pinnata  are  desirable;  blue  flowers  on  a  long  spike;  should 
be  kept  near  to  the  glass ;  they  are  of  the  easiest  culture. 
(Soil  No.  7.) 

Lechenaultia  ;  four  species  of  pretty  dwarf  blooming  plants. 
L.  formosa  is  almost  always  a  picture  with  its  bright  scarlet 
flowers  and  heath-like  foliage,  and  ought  to  be  in  every  col- 
lection ;  L.  hilbba  and  L.  Dntmmdndii  are  both  blue,  though 
very  rarely  seen  in  bloom ;  fine  plants  two  years  old  with  us 
have  not  yet  shown  a  flower;  they  must  have  an  airy  situa- 
tion, and  near  the  front  glass;  otherwise  they  will  be  weak 
and  spindling.     (Soil  No.- 19.) 

Leonbtis,  Lion's-ear,  four  species.  They  have  very  fine 
scarlet  tubular  flowers,  orifice-toothed.  They  come  out  in 
large  whorls,  and  look  elegant ;  but  neither  plant  nor  foliage 
has  an  agreeable  appearance.  They  are  of  the  easiest  culture, 
L.  intermedia  and  L.  Leoniirus  are  the  best  flowering  species. 
(Soil  No.  7.) 

Leptospermums,  about  thirty  species,  all  pretty  New  Hol- 
land evergreen  dwarf  shrubs,  with  small  white  flowers.  Jj. 
haccdtum,  L.  pendulum,  L.  Juntperinum,  L.  ovdium,  L. 
stelldtum,  L.  grandijibrum,  and  L.  scopdrium,  are  the  best 
of  the  species.  The  latter  was  used  as  tea  by  the  crew  of 
Captain  Cook's  ship.  It  is  an  agreeable  bitter,  with  a  pleasant 
flavour  when  fresh.  When  young  plants  are  growing,  they 
ought  to  be  frequently  topped  to  make  them  bushy,  and  kept 
in  an  airy  situation,  or  they  will  be  drawn  and  unsightly.  They 
are  of  very  easy  culture.     (Soil  No.  1.) 

Leucadendrons,  Silver  tree,  above  forty  species,  all  natives 
of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They  are  evergreens,  with  hand- 
some silvery-like  foliage.  L.  argenteum  (once  Prbtas  argentea) 
is  a  great  beauty ;  foliage  white,  lanceolate  and  silky.  It  is  a 
plant  that  has  been  long  in  cultivation,  greatly  admired,  and 
21 


242  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [March, 

much  sought  for,  and  is  the  finest  of  the  genus.  L-  squar- 
rosum,  L.  stelldtum,  (once  Prbtea  stelldris),  L.  tortum,  L. 
serviceum,  L.  marginatum,  and  L.  plumbsum,  (once  P.  par- 
viflora^  are  all  fine  species.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained 
and  the  plants  never  over-watered.  They  are  very  desirable 
in  collections  for  their  beauty  of  foliage.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Leucos2)ermums,  about  eighteen  species  of  Proteacous  plants, 
chiefly  low-growing,  and  are  mostly  downy  or  hairy ;  flowers 
yellow,  in  terminal  heads.  L.  formdsum,  L.  grandijlbmm, 
L.  toi7ien(dsum,  and  L.  candicans,  rose-scented.  These  are 
fine  species.     For  treatment,  see  Proteas.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Linums,  flax,  two  or  three  species  are  very  fine,  and  flower 
freely.  L.  trigynum  has  large  yellow  flowers  in  clusters,  and 
L.  ascyrifbliuvi,  whose  flowers  are  large,  blue  and  white,  and 
in  long  spikes.  They  bloom  in  February ;  the  shape  of  them 
is  very  like  the  flower  vulgarly  called  Morning-glory.  (Soil 
No.  4.) 

Lobelias.  Several  of  them,  when  well  treated,  form  pretty 
flowering  plants ;  they  are  principally  herbaceous.  The  genus 
consists  of  about  eighty  species ;  seventy  of  them  are  exotics  ; 
many  of  them  natives  of  the  Cape  pf  Good  Hope,  with  little 
flowers  of  brilliant  colours.  L.  caeriJea,  L.  Thxinhergii,  L. 
cori/mbbsa,  L.  loi/ramidalis,  L.  erines,  and  L.  iUicifblia,  are 
very  fine  species,  of  weak  growth,  but  flower  freely.  (Soil 
No.  4.) 

Lonlcera  japdnica.  There  is  a  plant  in  our  collections 
known  by  that  name,  which  is  now  JVintod a  longijlora  ;  flowers 
of.  a  straw-colour,  but  come  out  white.  It  has  been  known  to 
withstand  the  winter,  but  does  not  flower,  and  is  frequently 
killed  entirely;  is  a  fine  climber,  and  much  esteemed  in  the 
South  for  its  fragrance.     (Soil  No.  3.) 

Lophospermum  scdndens.  This  is  a  magnificent  climbing 
soft-wooded  shrub,  with  rosy  purple,  campanulate  flowers, 
which  are  produced  from  the  axils  on  the  young  wood ;  they 
bloom  from  May  to  September;  leaves  large,  cordate,  and 
tomentose;  grows  rapidly,  and  flowers  abundantly.  (Soil 
No.  3.) 

Lychnis  corondta,  is  an  esteemed  Chinese  plant ;  flowers  in 
abundance,  pentapetalous,  large,  and  a  little  indented  at  the 
edges ;  colour  a  red-like  orange ;  flowers  terminal  and  axillary. 
A  good  method  of  treatment  is  to  divide  the  roots,  and  plant 
some  of  them  in  the  garden ;  they  will  flower  well,  and  could 


March.^  green-house — eepottimw.  243 

be  lifted  in  the  fall,  and  put  under  protection.  If  not  done 
so,  plant  them  in  four-inch  pots,  and  repot  them  into  those  of 
six-inch  in  May.  Do  not  expose  them  while  in  flower  to  the 
mid-day  sun,  for  it  will  deteriorate  the  fine  orange-colour. 
(Soil  No.  9.) 

Magnolias.  There  are  four  species  that  require  the  pro- 
tection of  our  green-houses;  all  the  others  are  hardy.  M. 
fuscata  and  M.  annono'/dlia  are  very  similar  in  foliage  and 
flower;  the  young  branches  and  leaves  of  31.  fuscata  are 
covered  with  a  brown,  rusty-like  down ;  the  other  by  some 
is  considered  merely  a  variety ;  flowers  small,  brown,  and 
very  sweet-scented.  M.  pumila  is  very  dwarf-growing;  leaves 
large  and  netted ;  flowers  semi-double,  white,  pendent,  and 
exceedingly  fragrant.  They  are  natives  of  China.  We  have 
several  others  from  the  East,  but  being  deciduous  are  perfectly 
hardy.  M.  odoraiissima,  now  Talduma  Condolii,  is  a  native 
of  the  Island  of  Java,  and  considered  odoriferous,  but  it  is 
very  rare  even  in  Europe ;  said  to  have  a  straw-coloured 
flower.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Mahernia ;  a  genus  of  dwarf  plants,  with  yellow,  orange, 
or  pink  flowers.  M.  odorata  is  extensively  cultivated  for  the 
fragrance  of  its  bell-shaped  blossoms,  that  hang  in  great  pro- 
fusion early  in  spring.  Foliage  small,  crenulated,  and  heart- 
shaped.     (Soil  No.  17.) 

Maneffia;  a  genus  of  pretty  climbing  plants,  producing  a 
profusion  of  scarlet  flowers,  especially  M.  ijldhra  (of  Don),  or 
cordifbUa  (of  Paxton),  which  is  a  complete  mass  of  flowers 
from  July  to  October,  and  is  a  lovely  object  when  turned  into 
the  borders  during  the  summer.  M.  hicdlor,  red  and  yellow, 
blooms  through  the  winter,  and  is  a  charming  climber  in  that 
dull  period  of  flowers ;  they  are  of  the  easiest  culture  in  soil 
No.  17. 

Melaleucas,  above  thirty  species,  and  a  beautiful  genus  of 
New  Holland  plants,  of  easy  culture ;  flowers  come  out  of  the 
wood-like  fringes.  31.  elliptica,  31.  fuhjenSj  scarlet,  J/1  de- 
cussdta,  31.  hyperici folia,  31.  squarrdsa,  31.  linarifdlia,  M. 
tncdiia,  31.  tetragonia,  31.  thymifdlia,  are  all  very  fine  species, 
and  flower  freely  if  they  have  been  grown  from  cuttings ;  the 
singularity  of  flower  and  diversity  of  foliage  make  them  gene- 
rally admired.     (Soil  No.  1.) 

Meldstoma  nepaUnsis  is  a  good  green-house  species,  flower- 
ing freely  during  winter,  of  a  pale  blush  colour,  and  is  of  the 


244  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  iMarch. 

easiest  culture.  As  soon  as  done  blooming,  the  plant  should 
De  well  cut  in  to  keep  it  into  shape.     (Soil  No.  1.) 

Ilespilus.      See  Eryahotrya. 

MetrosuUros,  about  fifteen  species.  Many  have  been  added 
to  Callistemon.  31.  Jlurida,  M.  iimhelldta,  and  M.  anyusti- 
fblia,  G.  salujnum,  C.  lanceoldtum,  C.  semperjlbrens,  C 
glaucum,  once  M.  sjjecidsa,  and  C.  formdsvni ; .  these  are  all 
beautiful  plants,  with  scarlet  flowers.  Other  two  beautiful 
species  with  white  flowers  have  been  given  to  Angophdra. 
A.  cordifblia,  once  M.  Mspida,  and  A.  lanceoldta,  once  M. 
costdta  ;  these  genera  are  very  easily  distinguished  from  any 
other  Australasian  shrubs,  by  the  peculiar  character  of  having 
both  sides  of  the  leaves  alike.  The  flowers  consist  of  stamens, 
stiles,  and  anthers,  coming  in  hundreds  out  of  the  young  wood 
for  the  length  of  three  or  four  inches,  forming  a  dense  cone 
crowned  with  a  small  twig;  hence  frequently  called  "bottle- 
brush  plant;"  leaving  capsules  in  the  wood,  which  will  keep 
their  seeds  perfect  for  a  great  number  of  years.  They  grow 
freely,  and  the  pots  should  be  well  drained.      (Soil  No.  1.) 

Mijrsines,  Cape  Myrtle,  dwarf  Cape  evergreen  shrubs  covered 
with  small  flowers  from  March  to  May.  M.  rettlsa  has  purple 
flowers;  M.  rotundifblia,  flowers  white  and  purple.  They 
will  grow  in  any  situation,  and  are  of  easy  culture.  (Soil 
No.  1.) 

Myrhis,  Myrtle,  is  a  well-known  and  popular  shrub,  espe- 
cially the  common  varieties,  and  was  a  great  favourite  (even 
to  adoration)  among  the  ancients.  It  was  the  mark  of  autho- 
rity for  Athenian  rulers,  and  is  among  the  moderns  an 
emblem  of  pre-eminence.  They  aro  elegant  evergreen  shrubs 
with  an  agreeable  odour.  31.  communis  viidtiplex,  double 
flowering,  is  a  very  neat  shrub,  and  flowers  abundantly.  31. 
communis,  Icucocdrpa,  white-fi'uited  myrtle.  31.  itdlica  vari- 
egdta,  striped-leaved;  3i.  itdlica.  macu/dfa,  blotch-leaved,  are 
very  fine  shrubs;  and  31.  tomentbsa,  Chinese  myrtle,  is  a 
magnificent  erect-growing  shrub,  with  a  white  down  over  the 
foliage;  the  flowers  are  the  largest  of  the  genus.  When  they 
first  expand  they  are  purple,  and  afterwards  change  to  white, 
so  that  there  are  beautiful  flowers  of  several  shades  of  colour 
on  the  plant.  We  have  not  the  smallest  doubt  but  this  species 
will  become,  in  many  instances,  as  plentiful  as  the  common 
myrtle.  It  is  more  easily  grown,  but  cannot  stand  much  ex- 
posure to  the  sun  in  summer.     31.  tenuifblia  is  a  very  fine 


March.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  &4  S 

plant,  and  a  native  of  New  South  Wales.  Myrtles  in  general 
should  be  sprinkled  with  water  in  the  evening,  to  keep  off  the 
red  spider.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

JV^cindina  domestica,  a  very  hardy  species,  and  a  popular 
shrub  in  the  gardens  of  Japan,  where  it  is  called  Nandin. 
It  has  supra-decompound  leaves,  with  entire  lanceolate  leaf- 
lets, a  kind  of  foliage  that  is  very  rare;  the  flowers  are  small, 
whitish-green,  in  panicles,  succeeded  by  berries  of  the  size  of 
a  pea;  drain  the  pots  well.     (Soil  No.  1.) 

JVerium  (Oleander)  is  a  genus  of  beautiful  erect-growing 
evergreen  shrubs,  of  the  easiest  culture,  and  abundant  in 
flower.  JV.  oleander  is  the  common  rose-coloured  single 
flowering  species,  from  which  many  varieties  have  originated. 
At  present  the  most  popular  is  N.  oleander  spUndens,  which 
has  a  double  rose-coloured  flower,  N.  o.  striata  Jl.  pi.  has 
doubled  striped  flowers.  N.  macrophyllum  has  very  large 
double  pink  flowers.  N.  o.  rogino't,  or  tangle,  has  deep  crim- 
son flowers  striped  with  white,  though  they  are  frequently  of 
a  pink  colour.  JV.  .\  purpurea,  dark  red.  There  is  one  that 
has  got  into  our  collections  as  double  white,  which  is  only 
semi-double.  N.  oleander  elegantissimum,  a  most  beautiful 
plant  with  deep  silver-edged  foliage;  and  the  young  wood  is 
striped  white  and  green.  There  are  likewise  single  yellow 
single  white,  and  single  blotched  varieties  of  N.  oleander 
They  are  subject  to  the  small  white  scaly  insect,  and  shoulc 
be  frequently  washed,  as  has  been  directed,  to  keep  it  off. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

Okas,  Olive,  about  twelve  species  and  varieties.  0.  Eu- 
ropcea  longifolia  is  the  species  that  is  cultivated  to  such  an 
extent  in  the  south  of  France,  and  Italy.  0.  Europcea 
latlfblia  is  chiefly  cultivated  in  Spain.  The  fruit  is  larger 
than  that  of  Italy,  but  the  oil  is  not  so  pleasant,  which  is 
obtained  by  crushing  the  fruit  to  a  paste,  and  pressing  it 
through  a  woollen  bag,  adding  hot  water  as  long  as  any  oil  is 
yielded.  The  oil  is  then  skimmed  off  the  water,  and  put  into 
barrels,  bottles,  &c.,  for  use.  The  tree  seldom  exceeds  thirty 
feet,  and  is  a  branchy,  glaucous  evergreen,  and  is  said  to  be 
of  great  longevity.  Some  plantations  at  Turin,  in  Italy,  arw 
supposed  to  have  existed  from  the  time  of  Pliny.  It  fre- 
quently flowers  in  our  collections,  but  seldom  carries  fruit ; 
flowers  white,  in  small  racemose  axillary  spikes.  0.  capmsis 
has  thick,  large,  oblong  foliage;  flowers  white  in  large  ter- 
21* 


246  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [March. 

minal  panicles.  0.  verrucosa,  foliage  flat,  lanceolate,  and 
white  beneath,  branches  curiously  warted.  0.  fragrdns  blooms 
in  winter;  foliage  and  blossoms  are  both  highly  odoriferous; 
the  plant  is  much  esteemed  in  China,  and  is  said  to  be  used 
to  adulterate  and  flavour  teas.  Leaves  are  elliptic,  lanceolate, 
and  a  little  serrated ;  flowers  white  in  lateral  bunches.  It  is 
subject  to  the  small  white  scaly  insect,  and  ought  to  be  care- 
fully kept  from  them  by  washing.  0.  rosea  has  pink  flowers. 
0.  2)ciniculuta  is  also  a  fine  species.  They  are  all  very  easily 
cultivated.     (Soil  No.  11,) 

Oxylbhiums,  seven  species,  plants  very  similar  to  Callista- 
chys,  with  ovate,  cordate,  light-coloured  pubescent  foliage,  with 
papilionaceous  flowers.  0.  ohtusifblium  has  scarlet  flowers ; 
0.  retusum,  orange  flowers ;  and  0.  eUljiticum,  yellow  flowers. 
They  grow  freely  and  should  be  well  drained;  flower  from 
May  to  August.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Passijiora  ;  a  celebrated  genus  of  climbing  plants,  called  in 
common  "  Passion  Vine."  Those  belonging  to  the  green- 
house, flower  during  summer.  Several  of  them  are  both 
beautiful  and  profuse  in  bloom,  especially  P.  Kermdsine,  P. 
princeps,  P.  hyhrXJa,  P.  fragrans,  P.  Newmannia,  P.  Lemo- 
chentziann,  and  are  a  very  distinct  species ;  the  former  is  of  a 
beautiful  rosy  crimson  colour.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Pelargoniums,  Stork's  Bill.  This  genus,  so  universally 
known  among  us  as  Geranium,  from  wliich  it  was  separated 
many  years  ago,  is  a  family  of  great  extent  and  variety,  for 
which  we  are  principally  indebted  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
There  are  many  hundred  species,  with  upwards  of  twelve 
hundred  beautiful  and  well-marked  varieties,  which  have  been 
obtained  from  seed.  They  are  of  eveiy  character,  colour,  and 
shade,  of  the  most  vivid  description.  The  easy  cultivation  of 
the  Pclnrgbnium  tribe,  or  Geranium.s,  as  they  are  commonly 
called,  has  rendered  them  very  popular ;  also  the  agreeablenesa 
of  scent  and  fragrance,  of  Which  many  of  them  are  possessed, 
makes  them  favourites. 

Their  flowering  season  is  also  of  considerable  duration,  espe- 
cially the  bright  scarlet  and  crimson  varieties,  which  bloom 
from  March  till  August,  rendering  them  quite  indispensable 
in  collections.  Some  growers  complain  of  their  straggling 
habits ;  but  it  is  only  those  that  do  not  know  how  to  prune 
them :  even  some  of  the  choice  kinds  of  the  present  day  could 
not  be  made  to  grow  irregu.  irly — such  as  Ajax,  Forget-me-not, 


March."]  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  247 

Orion,  Virgin  Queen,  and  others ;  indeed,  within  these  few- 
years,  the  habits  and  beauties  of  the  plant  are  improved  a 
hundred  fold,  and  those  who  are  only  acquainted  with  the  old 
sorts  would  be  transported  with  a  view  of  the  dazzling  and 
beauteous  colony  of  the  new  kinds  that  have  been  procured 
by  hybridizing  those  of  good  habit  and  cliaracter. 

The  best  method  to  adopt  in  impregnating  these  is  to  choose 
the  female,  one  that  has  large  flowers,  of  easy  cultivation,  and 
as  nearly  allied  in  character  and  other  habits  as  possible. 
When  a  flower  of  the  intended  female  is  newly  expanded, 
take  a  pair  of  very  flne-pointed  scissors,  and  cut  off  the 
anthers  before  the  pollen  expands ;  then,  as  soon  as  the 
summit  of  the  style  divides,  apply  the  pollen  taken  from  the 
anthers  of  the  intended  male  plant  on  a  very  fine  camel  hair- 
pencil,  or  cut  out  the  stigma  entirely,  and  place  the  anther  on 
the  summit  of  the  style,  which,  if  correctly  done,  will  have 
the  desired  effect.  As  soon  as  the  seed  is  ripe  sow  it  in  light 
sandy  soil ;  and  when  it  has  come  up,  take  care  not  to  over- 
water  the  soil,  which  would  cause  them  to  damp  off.  When 
they  are  about  one  inch  high,  put  them  into  small  pots,  and 
treat  as  the  other  varieties.  Have  them  all  distinctly  marked 
until  they  flower,  which  will  be  in  the  second  year  fiom  the 
time  of  sowing. 

The  tuberous  and  fleshy  stemmed  species  are  very  interest- 
ing to  the  discriminating  inquirer.  Their  habit  and  constitu- 
tion are  so  peculiar  that  we  have  frequently  wondered  that 
they  have  not  been  separated  into  distinct  genera.  The  cul- 
tivation of  them  is  more  difiicult,  water  being  very  prejudi- 
cial to  them  when  they  are  inactive.  If  they  are  well 
managed,  they  flower  beautifully,  and  the  colours  are  very 
superior  and  peculiar,  having  frequently  bright  green  and 
purple  in  the  same  flower. 

The  following  list  comprehends  the  most  desirable  varieties 
that  we  have  seen  : — 


248 


GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING. 


l^March 


PURE  WHITE, 

MARKED    OR    STRIPED    WITH 
RED,  PURPLE,  OR  CRIMSON. 

Lord  Warden, 

Pearl, 

Queen  of  Scots, 

White  Flag, 

Village  Maid, 

Virgin  Queen, 

Witch. 

BLUSH, 

MARKED    OR    STRIPED    WITH 
RED,  ETC. 

Acme, 
Juliette, 
Miss  Holford, 
Paragon, 
Symmetry. 

PINK, 

MARKED  OR  COLOUREE  WITH 
RED  OR  CRIMSON, 

Admiration, 
Blood  Royal, 
Elise, 

Hebe's  Lip, 
Matilda, 
Nestor. 

ROSE, 

WITH  STRIPES  OR  SPOTS', 

Hebe, 
Paragon, 
Rosa, 
Hector, 
Mark  Antony, 
Rosy  circle. 


RED  OR  SCARLET, 

WITH  STRIPES  OR  SPOTS. 

Aurora, 
(ilderman. 
Chieftain, 
Forget-me-not, 
King,  _ 
Perfection, 
Orion, 

South  Western. 
Talisman. 

VERY  DARK  CRIMSON, 
OR  PURPLE, 

MARKED  WITH  BLACK. 

Ajax  Hoyle, 

Arabian, 

Enchantress, 

Mustii, 

Negress, 

Ocellatura, 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh, 

Sir  Henry  Smyth, 

Salamander. 

FANCY  COLOURS, 

OF  VARIOUS  SHADES. 

Anais, 

Anatholie, 

Clown, 

Harlequin, 

Jenny  Lind, 

Jehu, 

La  Belle  Africaine, 

Marion, 

Queen  Superba, 

Statuiskii, 

Wintonia. 


March.']  green-house — repotting.  249 

VARIOUS;  CURIOUS,  AND  FINE  Ivy  leaved,  pink,  \  p,.    , 
SORTS.  Ivy  leaved,  white,  I 

Apple  scented,  Lemon  scented, 

Bicolor,  Nutmeg  scented, 

Blanfordianum,  Rose  scented,  &c. 

Comptonianum, 

There  are  several  others  very  recently  introduced,  which 
have  not  bloomed  so  as  to  allow  us  to  judge  of  their  merits; 
but  their  foreign  characters  are  highly  flattering.  The  re- 
potting of  the  geranium  tribe  should  be  done  as  early  in  the 
month  as  possible,  or  even  about  the  end  of  last  month  would 
be  advisable  in  some  seasons.  (Soil  No.  12,  with  a  little 
more  manure.) 

Fhormium  fenax,  New  Zealand  flax  lily,  the  only  species ; 
foliage  resembling  an  Iris,  and  very  thready.  In  New  Zea- 
land and  Norfolk  Island  the  natives  manufacture  from  this 
plant  a  kind  of  stuff  like  coarse  linen,  cordage,  &c. ;  the  plant 
is  very  hardy,  and  we  would  be  nowise  surprised  to  see  it  stand 
the  severity  of  our  winters.  It  bears  exposure  to  the  open 
air  in  Europe  in  the  fifty-sixth  degree  of  north  latitude.  The 
flowers  are  said  to  be  yellow  and  lily -like ;  of  the  easiest  cul- 
ture.    (Soil  No.  7.) 

Fhylicas,  above  twenty-five  species.  Several  of  them  are 
very  pretty-growing  evergreen  shrubs,  and  of  easy  culture. 
P.  horizontdlis,  P.  squarrdsa,  P.  imhricdta,  P.  myrtifblia ,  P. 
callosa,  P.  bicolor,  and  P.  ericoides,  are  all  neat-growing; 
flowers  small  white,  in  heads :  drain  the  pots  well,  and  keep 
them  in  an  airy  situation.  The  foliage  of  several  -of  the 
species  is  downy.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Phasedhis  car  acedia,  or  snail  flower,  is  a  very  curious 
blooming  plant,  with  flowers  of  a  greenish  yellow,  all  spirally 
twisted,  in  great  profusion  when  the  plant  is  well  grown. 
(Soil  No.  12.) 

Phoenix  dactyl'ifera,  common  date  palm ;  a  plant  that 
attains  a  large  size  and  of  rather  a  rugged  appearance;  its 
fruit  is  the  common  well-known  date.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

PimUeas,  about  fourteen  species.  Most  of  them  are  highly 
esteemed,  and  are  not  often  seen  in  our  collections.  P. 
decussdta  is  the  finest  of  the  genus,  both  in  foliage  and 
flowers,  which  are  red,  and  in  large  terminal  clusters.  P.  his- 
pida,  P.  rosea,  P.  linifolia,  P.  spicdta,  ani  P.  spectabiliSf  ar« 


250  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  [^March. 

all  fine  species.  The  latter  has  very  beautiful  lanceolate 
foliage  and  of  an  elegant  habit.  They  should  be  well  drained. 
They  are  very  small  evergreen  shrubs,  with  white,  red,  or  pink 
flowers.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Pistdcias,  seven  species  of  trees,  principally  of  the  south 
of  Europe.  There  is  nothing  particular  in  their  appearance, 
except  their  productions  in  their  native  countiy.  P.  terebin- 
ihus  is  deciduous,  and  produces  the  Cyprus  turpentine.  P. 
lentiscus  is  the  true  mastich  tree,  which  is  obtained  by  cutting 
transverse  incisions  in  the  bark.  P.  vera,  P.  reticulata  are 
good  species ;  leaves  pinnated ;  leaflets  ovate,  lanceolate  j 
easily  cultivated.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Pitiosjiorums,  about  nine  species,  with  handsome  foliage, 
and  small  white  flowers  in  clusters,  which  are  fragrant.  P. 
tohira  is  a  native  of  China,  and  nearly  hardy ;  leaves  lucid, 
obovate,  obtuse,  and  smooth ;  there  is  a  beautiful  variegated 
variety  of  it.  P.  unduldtum,  P.  coridceum,  P.  revolatum, 
P.  fulvum,  and  P.  ferrugineum  are  very  ornamental  ever- 
greens, and  will  grow  with  the  most  simple  treatment.  (Soil 
No.  13.) 

Plati/loh turns,  Flat  Pea,  four  species  of  fine  free-flowering 
plants,  flowers  leguminose ;  colour  yellow.  P.  formosum,  P. 
ovdtum  and  P.  trianguldre  are  the  best  j  the  foliage  of  the 
former  two  is  cordate  ovate  3  the  latter  hastate,  with  spiny 
angles.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Plumhayos,  Lead-wort.  The  two  most  beautiful  species 
for  green-house  culture  are  P.  capcnsis,  of  a  beautiful  light 
blue,  flowering  in  spikes  from  June  to  December;  foliage  pale 
green,  oblong,  entire,  and  glaucous — P.  Larpanta,  Lady 
Larpant's  Leadwort,  is  of  a  very  dwarf  habit,  small  dark 
greenish-brown  foliage,  crowned  with  flowers  of  the  finest 
azure  blue,  and  is  tolerably  hardy  in  the  open  ground ;  in 
fact,  they  are  both  perfectly  hardy  in  the  Southern  States. 
(Soil  No.  1.) 

Pudalijrias,  about  fourteen  species  of  pretty  Cape  shrubs; 
foliage  oblong,  obovate,  and  silky-like;  the  flowers  legumi- 
nose; colour  blue  or  pink.  P.  sericca,  P.  styraclfblia,  P. 
corilscans,  P.  aryentea,  P.  liparioides,  and  P.  subijlora,  are 
the  finest  and  most  distinct  species,  and  flower  abundantly. 
(Soil  No.  6.) 

Prdteas,  about  forty- four  species.  The  foliage  of  this 
genus  is  very  diversified  •  flowers  very  large,  terminal ;  stamens 


March.'}  green-house — repotting.  251 

protected  by  an  involucrum,  mauy-leaved  and  imbricated ; 
which  is  very  persistent.  f*.  cynaroides  has  the  hirgest 
flower,  which  is  purple,  green,  and  red.  P.  speciosa,  P.  um- 
honalis,  once  P.  longifolia,  P.  melaleuca,  P.  grandijlbra,  P. 
coccinea,  P.  cenocdrpa,  P.  pal/ens,  P.  formbsa,  P.  magnijica, 
P.  specibsa  rubra,  and  P.  ntedifcra,  will  aflPord  a  very  good 
v'^ariety.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  describe  their  true  colour, 
it  being  so  various;  red,  white,  straw,  brown,  green,  and  pur- 
ple, are  most  predominant,  and  frequently  to  be  seen  in  the 
same  flower.  The  plants  must  be  well  drained;  and  during 
warm  weather  be  careful  that  they  are  not  neglected  in  water, 
for  if  they  are  suff"€red  to  droop,  they  seldom  recover.  For 
this  reason  the  pots  ought  not  to  stand  in  the  strong  sun ; 
the  plants  can  bear  it,  but  to  the  roots  it  is  injurious.  (Soil 
No.  9.) 

Pultnceas,  about  forty  species,  pretty  little  dwarf-growing 
shrubs  of  New  South  Wales ;  flowers,  small,  leguminose,  all 
yellow  with  a  little  red  outside  of  the  petals.  P.  suhumhel- 
Idfa,  P.  villosa,  P.  ohcordata,  P.  argentea,  P.  plumbsa,  P. 
flexilis,  shining-leaved,  fragrant;  P.  Candida,  and  P.  stricta, 
are  all  fine  species,  and  esteemed  in  collections.  The  leaves 
are  all  small ;  they  require  an  airy  exposure,  and  the  pots 
drained.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Phodochiton  volubile,  or  Lophorspermum  rhodocliiton :  this 
is  a  very  fine  climbing  plant,  with  large  tubular  dark  brown 
flowers,  blooming  from  July  to  October;  it  is  of  rapid  growth, 
and  is  an  excellent  plant  for  the  flower-garden.  The  plant 
must  have  frequent  repotting  to  make  it  grow  rapidly,  for  the 
finer  it  grows  the  more  profusely  it  flowers.     (Soil  No.  12.) 

Rhododendrons  (Rose  tree),  a  magnificent  genus,  and  con- 
tains some  of  the  most  superb  and  gigantic  plants  that  adorn 
the  green-house.  At  present  the  most  admired  is  R.  arhbreum, 
■with  its  varieties.  It  has  deep  crimson  flowers,  with  dark 
spots  and  flakes  campanulated,  and  in  large  clusters;  leaves 
lanceolate,  acute,  rough  and  silvery  beneath.  R.  arhbreum 
album  is  very  rare.  R.  arhbreum  sup)erhum,  flowers  same 
shape  as  arhbreum,  colour  bright  rosy  scarlet;  foliage  one- 
third  larger,  but  not  silvery  beneath ;  grows  freely,  and  gene- 
rally thought  the  finest  variety.  R.  arhbrea  alf a- Clarence  is 
also  very  superb.  R.  arhbrea  Russelidnum,  pictum,  vcmistum, 
guttdtum,  tigrinum,  noblednum,  grandijldrum,  spectdhile,  are 
all  very  distinct ;   but  there  are  SO  many  other  varieties  froo» 


252  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING  [J/(/?rA 

seed  that  they  will  soon  be  so  much  amalgamated  that  the 
named  sorts  will  not  be  distinguished.  A  green-house  with- 
out some  of  the  choice  varieties  of  this  plant  is  deficient  of  a 
flower  whose  beauty  and  grandeur  are  beyond  the  highest 
imagination.  It  is  a  native  of  Nepaul,  in  India,  and  when 
found  by  Dr.  Wallach,  awakened  the  ambition  of  every  culti- 
vator and  connoisseur  in  Europe.*  There  are  several  other 
species  lately  brought  from  that  country,  which  are  highly 
valued:  the  species  are  i?.  campanulatum,  R.  anthopoyon, 
and  R.  cinnamomum.  They  are  rarely  seen  in  our  collections. 
There  is  also  another  new  addition  to  this  already  majestic 
family,  discovered  by  Doctor  Hooker,  in  the  Himalaya  Moun- 
tains, which  for  gorgeous  splendour  is  supposed  will  surpass 
all  their  predecessors ;  the  foliage  of  many  of  them  are  cer- 
tainly distinct  and  unique  in  all  its  parts.  We  have  also  a 
brilliant  yellow  species,  R.  javanicum,  from  Japan ;  it  is 
novel  and  beautiful,  blooming  when  the  plants  are  only  about 
a  foot  high — an  indispensable  sort.  The  pots  should  be  well 
drained,  and  if  they  are  large,  put  several  pieces  of  sandy 
stone  or  potshreds  around  the  side,  for  the  fine  fibres  delight 
to  twine  about  such,  being  mountainous  plants.  When  grow- 
ing, give  copious  waterings  at  the  root.  For  young  plants, 
soil  No.  6.  And  for  blooming  plants  use  one  portion  of  leaf 
mould. 

Roellas,  pretty  leafy  shrubs,  with  blue  terminal  funnel- 
shaped  flowers,  lip-spreading;  R.  cilidta,  R.  spicdta,  and  R. 
pechmculdta  are  the  finest  of  the  genus.  The  pots  must  be 
well  drained,  and  care  taken  that  they  are  not  over-watered. 
(Soil  No.  6.) 

Salvia  (Sage)  is  an  extensive  genus  of  soft-wooded,  shrub 
by,  or  herbaceous  plants ;  very  few  of  them  do  well  in  the 
green-house,  and  many  of  them  are  very  trifling,  having  no 
other  attraction  than  the  flower ;  and  those  of  the  tender 
species,  when  compared  with  S.  /ulgens,  crimson,  S.  sjyien- 
dens,  scarlet,  S.  angustifolia,  pale  blue,  S.  patens,  dark  blue, 
S.  involibcrata,  pink  (which  in  artificial  climates  constitute 
the  standard  of  the  genus),  are  not  worth  cultivation.  The 
best  method  to  adopt  with  the  summer  flowering  kinds  is  to 
plant  them  in  the  garden  in  May :  they  will  grow  strong  and 

*  Mr.  Hogg,  the  eminent  horticulturist  of  New  York,  raised  ths 
first  plant  of  arboreum  from  seed  in  England. 


March.'\  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  253 

flower  abundantly,  and  in  the  fall  they  can  be  lifted  and  pre- 
served during  winter  in  pots.  They  neither  grow  nor  flower 
so  well  as  when  planted  out,  and  even  a  slip  planted  in  the 
ground  in  moist  weather  will  root  in  a  few  days,  grow,  and 
flower  in  a  few  weeks.  S.  spUndens  is  the  best  to  select  for 
the  purpose.  All  will  grow  easily  with  encouragement.  (Soil 
No.  12.) 

Scbttias,  three  species  of  valuable  plants ;  S.  dentdta,  with 
rosy  leguminose  blossoms;  leaves  opposite,  ovate,  acuminate, 
serrate;  S.  angustlfolia,  has  brown  flowers;  S.  trapezifdr- 
mus,  leaves  ovate,  acute,  serrulate.  We  do  not  know  the 
colour  of  its  flowers ;  the  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  the 
plants  kept  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  green-house,  and  near 
the  light.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Senecios.  Some  species  of  this  genus  are  pestiferous  weeds 
all  over  thj  world.  They  are  even  found  near  the  limits  of 
perpetual  snow,  where  neither  tree  nor  shrub  is  able  to  rear  its 
head,  and  yet  there  are  a  few  species  that  are  neat  little 
plants,  and  are  worthy  of  a  situation,  namely,  S.  grandljld- 
rus,  S.  veniistus,  and  *S^.  cinerdscens,  with  the  double  white, 
purple,  and  red  variety  of  S.  elegans.  The  last  three  varie- 
ties are  free  flowering,  but  if  allowed  to  grow  several  years, 
they  become  unsightly.  Being  very  easily  propagated,  a  few 
cuttings  of  them  should  be  put  in  in  September,  and  in  two 
weeks  they  will  strike  root,  when  the}'^  may  be  put  in  pots  to 
keep  through  the  winter,  and  then  planted  in  the  garden,  con- 
tinuing to  renew  them.  The  other  mentioned  species  should 
be  frequently  done  the  same  way.  Do  not  keep  them  damp 
during  winter,  or  they  will  rot  ofi".  Give  them  an  airy  expo- 
sure.    (Soil  No.  12.) 

Sdllya  heterophylla :  a  good  climbing  plant,  with  bright 
blue  clusters  of  drooping  flowers ;  it  is  a  native  of  New  Hol- 
land, and  will  prove  a  hardy  plant  south  of  latitude  36°. 
(Soil  No.  4.) 

Sparrmdnnias  are  strong-growing  green-house  shrubs.  S. 
Africdna  is  a  plant  very  common  in  our  collections,  with 
large  three-lobed  cordate  leaves,  hairs  on  both  sides;  flowers 
from  March  to  July.  S.  rugdsa.  The  leaves  are  rugged; 
flowers  of  both  are  white,  in  a  kind  of  corymb,  supported  by 
a  long  footstalk ;  buds  drooping,  flowers  erect.  There  is  a 
plant  known  in  our  collections  as  the  free  flowering  Sparr- 
mdnnia  (which  is  Entelia  arborSscens),  and  is  easily  distin- 
22 


254  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  iMarch 

guished  from  Sparrmdnnia  by  the  leaves  being  cordate,  acu- 
minatG,  and  otherwise,  by  all  its  fihTtnents  being  fertile,  and 
the  flowers  more  branching,  and  blooming  from  November  to 
June,  profusely;  very  easily  cultivated,  and  desirable.  (Soil 
No.  12.) 

Sphixrolbhiums,  only  two  species  of  leafless  plants,  with 
yellow  and  red  leguminose  flowers,  which  proceed  from  the 
young  shoots.  S.  vimineum  and  S-  medium.  They  flower 
freely,  and  are  easily  cultivated.  The  old  wood  should  be 
frequently  cut  out  where  it  is  practicable.  Drain  the  pots. 
(Soil  No.  6.) 

Sprcngelia  incarndta,  the  only  species,  a  very  pretty  plant, 
allied  to  Epdcris;  foliage  acuminate,  embracing  the  stem; 
flowers  small,  pink,  bearded,  and  in  close  spikes ;  grows  freely. 
The  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  the  plants,  when  dormant, 
watered  sparingly;  for  if  they  get  sodden  about  the  roots, 
they  very  seldom  recover.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Strelitzia,  or  queen  plant :  a  genus  of  fine  plants  belonging 
to  the  natural  order  of  Musacea.  S.  reyina,  &.  ovdta,  and 
S.  iLumilis  are  the  most  free  and  beautiful  flowering  species, 
and  are  very  similar,  except  in  habit.  The  flower-stalk  is 
from  one  to  two  feet  long,  producing  about  five  flowers  of  a 
bright  yellow,  having  a  large  blue  stigma,  which  forms  a  dis- 
tinct contrast.  >S'.  juncea  and  S.  parvijldra  are  also  desirable 
species,  but  are  more  rare  than  the  former,  which  ought  to  be 
in  every  green-house.      (Soil  No.  19.) 

Streptocarpus  rhexii,  a  free-blooming  dwarf  plant,  of  easy 
culture  in  soil  No.  -t. 

Styphelias,  seven  species  of  very  showy  flowers,  with  mu- 
cronate  leaves;  corolla  in  long  tubular  form,  having  several 
bundles  of  hairs  in  it ;  segments  reflex  and  bearded.  >S'. 
tubijiora,  crimson ;  *S'.  trijldra,  crimson  and  green ;  *S'.  adscen- 
dens,  and  S.  longijibra,  are  beautiful  species.  They  grow 
freely,  and  should  be  well  drained,  as  too  much  water  is  very 
hurtful  to  them.  In  summer,  they  ought  not  to  be  much  ex- 
posed to  the  hot  sun,  or  the  foliage  will  become  brown.  (Soil 
No.  6.) 

Sutherland ia  frutescens,  very  similar  to  Swainsbnia; 
flowers  fine  scarlet.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Sivainsbnias,  four  species  of  free-flowering,  soft-wooded 
shrubs,  natives  of  New  South  Wales.  S.  galegifblia,  S. 
coroni/lcf/blia,  and   S.  astragalifoUa,  are  red,  purple,   and 


31arch.']  green-house — repotting.  255 

white;  legumlnose  flowers  in  spikes  from  the  axils,  are  of 
easy  culture  and  deserving  of  a  situation ;  the  foliage  is  pin- 
nate; leaves  ovate,  acute.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Tecdma  is  a  genus  of  beautiful  flowering  plants,  separated 
from  Bignbnia.  They  are  of  easy  culture  and  desirable  in 
all  collections.  T.  capensis  has  bright  orange  flowers  in  large 
clusters,  and  very  profuse  on  large  plants.  T.  austrdlis, 
known  as  Bignbnia  pandora,  has  white  and  pink  flowers  in 
great  profusion.  T.  jasmindichs  is  quite  a  new  plant,  produc- 
ing very  large  clusters  of  white  flowers,  with  a  bright  pink 
centre ;  it  is  a  charming  plant  for  climbing,  and  the  foliage  is 
of  a  very  agreeable  shining  green.  The  plants  require  en- 
couragement.    (Soil  No.  10.) 

Testudindria,  Elephant's  foot,  or  Hottentot's  bread,  two 
species  remarkable  for  their  appearance.  The  root  or  bulb, 
if  it  may  be  so  called,  is  of  a  conical  shape,  and  divided  into 
transverse  sections.  Those  of  one  foot  diameter  are  computed 
to  be  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  of  age.  It  is  a  climbing 
herbaceous  plant,  with  entire  reniform  leaves  of  no  beauty ; 
flowers  small;  colour  green.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained, 
for  when  the  plant  is  inactive,  it  is  in  danger  of  suffering 
from  moisture,  and  ought  not  to  get  any  water.  T.  elephdn- 
tipes  and  T.  montana  are  the  species,  natives  of  the  Cape  of 
Grood  Hope,  and  require  the  warmest  part  of  the  house.  (Soil 
No.  10.) 

Thea  :  a  genus  celebrated  over  the  known  world  as  furnish- 
ing the  domestic  drug  called  Tea.  T.  viridis,  and  T.  hohea 
are  said  to  be  the  species  which  supply  the  tea.  Some  have 
asserted  that  there  is  only  one  shrub  used,  but  by  examina- 
tion it  may  be  easily  perceived  that  there  are  leaves  of  various 
shape  and  texture,  some  of  them  similar  to  Camellia  sesanqua. 
Dr.  Abel  gives  an  explicit  detail  of  the  growing  and  manu- 
facturing process  of  tea,  from  which,  in  compliment  to  our 
fair  patrons,  we  give  a  few  extracts  : 

"  The  tea  districts  of  China  extend  from  the  twenty-seventh 
to  the  thirty-Hrst  degree  of  north  latitude.  It  seems  to  suc- 
ceed best  on  the  sides  of  mountains.  The  soil  from  whfch  I 
collected  the  best  specimens  consisted  chiefly  of  sandstono- 
schistus,  or  granite.  The  plants  are  raised  from  seeds  sown 
where  they  are  to  remain.  Three  or  more  are  dropped  into 
a  hole  four  or  five  inches  deep ;  these  come  up  without  farther 
trouble,  and  require  li'-^le  culture,  except  that  of  removing 


256  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTriNQ.  l^Iarch. 

weeds,  till  the  plants  are  three  years  old.  The  more  careful 
stir  the  soil,  aud  some  manure  it,  but  the  hitter  practice  is 
seldom  adopted.  The  third  year  the  leaves  are  gathered,  at 
three  successive  gatherings,  in  February,  April,  and  June, 
and  so  on  until  the  bushes  become  stunted  or  slow  in  their 
growth,  which  generally  happens  in  from  six  to  ten  years. 
They  are  then  cut  in  to  encourage  the  production  of  fresh 
roots. 

"  The  gathering  of  the  leaves  is  performed  with  care  and 
selection.  The  leaves  are  plucked  off  one  bj'  one;  at  the  first 
gathering  only  the  unexpanded  and  tender  are  taken  ;  at  the 
second  those  that  are  of  full  growth ;  and  at  the  third  the 
coarsest.  The  first  forms,  what  is  called  in  Europe,  imperial 
tea ;  but,  as  to  the  other  names  by  which  tea  is  known,  the 
Chinese  know  nothing;  aud  the  compounds  and  names  are 
supposed  to  be  made  and  given  by  the  merchants  at  Canton, 
who,  from  the  great  number  of  varieties  brought  to  them,  have 
an  ample  opportunity  of  doing  so.  Formerly  it  was  thought 
that  green  tea  was  gathered  exclusively  from  T.  viridis  ;  but 
that  how  is  doubtful,  though  it  is  certain  that  there  is  what 
is  called  the  green  tea  district  and  black  tea  district ;  and  the 
varieties  grown  in  the  one  district  differ  from  those  of  the 
other.  I  was  told  by  competent  persons  that  either  of  the 
two  plants  will  afford  the  black  or  green  tea  of  the  shops,  but 
that  the  broad  thin-leaved  plant  (7*.  viridis)  is  preferred  for 
making  the  green  tea. 

"  The  tea  leaves  being  gathered,  are  cured  in  houses  which 
contain  from  five  to  twenty  small  furnaces,  about  three  feet 
high  each,  having  at  top  a  large  flat  iron  pan.  There  is  also 
a  long  low  table  covered  with  mats,  on  which  the  leaves  are 
laid,  and  rolled  by  workmen,  who  sit  around  it :  the  iron  pan 
being  heated  to  a  certain  degree,  by  a  little  fire  made  in  the 
furnace  underneath,  a  few  pounds  of  the  fresh-gathered  leaves 
are  put  upon  the  pan;  the  fresh  and  juicy  leaves  crack  when 
they  touch  the  pan,  and  it  is  the  business  of  the  operator  to 
shift  them  as  quickly  as  possible,  with  his  bare  hands,  till 
they  cannot  be  easily  endured.  At  this  instant  he  takes  off 
the  leaves  with  a  kind  of  shovel  resembling  a  fan,  and  pours 
them  on  the  mats  before  the  rollers,  who,  taking  small  quan- 
tities at  a  time,  roll  them  in  the  palms  of  their  hands  in  one 
direction,  while  others  are  fanning  them,  that  they  may  cool 
the  more  speedily,  and  retain  their  curl  the  longer.    This  pru- 


March.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  257 

C0S3  ia  repeated  two  or  three  times,  or  oftener,  before  the  tea 
is  put  into  the  stores,  in  order  that  all  the  moisture  of  the 
leaves  may  be  thoroughly  dissipated,  and  their  curl  more  com- 
pletely preserved.  On  every  repetition  the  pan  is  less  heated, 
and  the  operation  performed  more  closely  and  cautiously. 
The  tea  is  then  separated  into  the  different  kinds,  and  depo- 
sited in  the  store  for  domestic  use  or  exportation. 

"  The  different  sorts  of  black  and  green  arise  not  merely 
from  soil,  situation,  or  the  age  of  the  leaf;  b(ut  after  winnow- 
ing the  tea,  the  leaves  are  taken  up  in  succession  as  they  fall ; 
those  nearest  the  machine,  being  the  heaviest,  are  the  gun- 
powder tea ;  the  light  dust  the  worst,  being  chiefly  used  by 
the  lower  classes.  That  which  is  brought  down  to  Canton  then 
undergoes  a  second  roasting,  winnowing,  packing,  &c.,  and 
many  hundred  women  are  employed  for  these  purposes." 

Kaempfer  asserts  that  a  species  of  Camellia  as  well  as  Olea 
Frdgrans  is  used  to  give  it  a  high  flavour. 

Tacsbnia,  a  genus  of  plants  much  resembling  Passifloras, 
both  in  flower  and  habits.  T.  pinnatistipulata  and  T.  mollis, 
when  planted  into  the  ground  and  trained  up  the  rafters  of 
the  green-house,  make  a  pretty  appearance  with  their  profu- 
sion of  rosy  blush-coloured  flowers.     (Soil  No.  13.) 

Tropcvdlum,  a  genus  of  generally  delicate-growing  plants, 
principally  from  South  America.  They  require  nicety  of 
treatment  to  bloom  them  well,  unless  a  large  bulb  can  be 
procured,  when  it  may  be  planted  in  a  seven-inch  pot,  and 
will  then  flower  without  farther  care  by  training  their  delicate 
shoots  on  a  wire  trellis,  or  small  twigs  of  branches  stuck  in 
the  pots.  T.  fricolorum,  T.  tricolorum  sujjerhum,  and  T. 
'pentaphijlhim  have  beautiful  scarlet  flowers  marked  with  yel- 
low and  black,  and  are  superb  and  lovely  when  in  bloom.  T. 
hracliyseras  has  yellow  flowers.      (Soil  No.  10.) 

Verbena.  The  beauty  of  the  green-house  in  spring  and 
the  flower-garden  in  summer  is  greatly  augmented  by  the 
late  introduction  of  this  lovely  family  of  perpetual  flowering 
plants.  There  are  among  them  every  shade  of  colour,  from 
the  richest  scarlet  to  the  purest  white,  and  in  addition  to  the 
beaut}-  and  profusion  of  their  flowers,  several  of  them  are  ex- 
quisitely scented.  V.  chamcedry folia,  or  melindres,  was  the 
first  scarlet  species  intrDduced,  and  it  is  yet  pretty. 
22* 


258 


GREEN  -HOUSE — REPOTTING. 


iMarch. 


WHITES. 

Americana, 
White  Perfection. 


RED. 


St.  Marguirette, 
Gen.  Courtigies. 


BLUSH  WHITE, 

With  Red  or  Rose  Eye. 

Benoist  de  Lisle. 

Emma, 

Eva, 

Mrs.  W.  W.  Keen, 

Pauline, 

Reine  d«  Jour. 

ROSE. 

Etiole  de  Venus, 
Gen.  Changarnier, 
Republic, 
Magnificent. 

Mottled  and  Striped. 
Iphogene, 
Eclipse, 
La  Gracious. 


SCARLET  CRIMSON. 

Defiance, 
Chauverii, 
Montonii, 
Phenomenon. 


BLUE. 

Andrew, 
Heroine, 
Richard  Fetters. 


PURPLE. 

Melvina, 

Model  of  Perfection. 


LILAC. 


Perfection, 
Fanny. 


These  are  principally  new  varieties  of  perfect  formation  ; 
the  flowers  in  some  are  as  large  as  a  quarter-dollar,  far  out- 
vying those  cultivated  a  few  years  ago.  It  is  only  fifteen 
years  since  I  grew  the  first  white,  pink,  and  crimson  verbena, 
from  seed  received  from  Buenos  Ayres.  They  created  a  very 
great  excitement  in  the  floral  world,  both  in  this  country  and 
Europe.  Now  there  are  thousands  produced  from  seed  an- 
nually. In  England,  they  bear  the  titled  names  of  Ladies,, 
Marquesses  and  Queens,  commanding  a  very  high  price  ;  but 
with  all  their  titles,  none  of  them  excel  a  few  of  those  named 
above.  They  require  very  little  water  during  winter,  and 
should  be  kept  on  a  dry  airy  shelf  till  February,  when  the 
pots  may  be  enlarged,  except  those  intended  for  the  garden, 
which  can  be  planted  out  about  the  middle  of  April.  Cut- 
tings of  the  young  shoota,  placed  in  sandy  soil  and  covered 


March.'}  green-house — repotting.  259 

■with  a  glass,  ■will  root  in  a  few  ■weeks.  The  ■whole  fiimily 
should  be  iudustriously  collected  and  cultivated;  for  truly  we 
are  not  acquainted  with  a  tribe  of  plants  that  ■will  give  as  much 
satisfaction  with  as  little  cost  and  trouble :  they  naturally 
grow  on  hills  and  elevated  plains,  so  that  they  must  not  be 
kept  wet.     (Soil  No.  9.) 

Veronica,  an  extensive  genus  of  plants  that  are  cultivated 
largely  as  ornaments  for  the  flower-garden.  Within  these 
few  years  some  very  beautiful  species  have  been  discovered  in 
New  Zealand.  Among  them  is  V.  speciosa,  a  picture  of  a 
plant  with  foliage  equal  to  a  Camellia,  producing  spikes  about 
three  inches  long,  of  bright  purple  flowers,  fading  to  a  pale 
blush.  V.  Liiidleyana,  with  ovate  lanceolate  leaves,  and 
spikes  of  delicate  blush  flowers;  blooming  in  winter.  V. 
Andersonii,  spikes  of  flowers  opening  blue,  and  changing  to 
white,  in  flower  from  August  to  Christmas.  They  are  of  the 
simplest  culture — growing  freely  and  symmetrically  in  soil 
No.  9. 

Viminaria  denuddta,  the  only  species.  This  plant  is  re- 
markable for  its  twiggy  appearance,  but  it  has  no  foliage,  ex- 
cept when  growing  from  seed.  It  has  at  the  extremity  of  the 
twigs  or  shoots  an  ovate,  lanceolate  leaf,  disappearing  when 
the  plant  grows  old ;  the  flowers  are  small,  yellow,  coming  out 
of  the  young  shoots,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  beholder.  It 
grows  freely.     (Soil  No.  6.) 

Vibuniuvis.  A  few  of  these  are  very  ornamental  evergreen 
shrubs,  and  almost  hardy.  V.  tlnus  is  the  well-known  Lau- 
restine  (or  what  is  commonly  called  Laurestinus),  is  of  the 
easiest  culture;  flowers  small,  white,  and  in  large  flattened 
panicles;  blooming  from  February  to  May,  and  universally 
esteemed.  It  will  stand  the  winter  by  a  little  protection,  but 
the  flower-buds  being  formed  in  the  fall,  the  intense  frost 
destroys  them ;  consequently,  it  will  not  flower  finely,  except 
it  be  protected  from  severe  frost.  V.  liicidum  is  a  good 
species,  and  superior  in  flower  and  foliage  to  the  former,  but 
does  not  flower  so  freely  when  the  plants  are  small.  When 
they  grow  large,  they  flower  profusely.  There  is  a  desirable 
variegated  variety.  V.  odoratissimum  has  smooth,  evergreen, 
oblong  elliptic,  distinctly  toothed  leaves,  and  frequently  a  stripe 
in  them,  is  sweet-scented,  but  not  a  free-flowerer.  V.  hirsiitum 
has  flowers  similar  to  the  above;  foliage  ovate,  with  rough 
brown  hairs  on  both  sides,  and  7ery  characteristic.      V.  siric- 


260  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  \_March 

turn  variegdtum  is  a  very  fine  variety,  and  upright  growing. 
These  plants  are  all  very  desirable,  blooming  early  in  spring, 
and  continuing  for  several  months;  all  easily  cultivated. 
(Soil  No.  17) 

Westringias,  a  genus  of  four  species,  very  like  the  common 
Ro&evixary.  W.  7-o?,marinifbrmis,  leaves  lanceolate,  and  sil- 
very beneath.  W.  lomjifblia  is  similar;  both  have  small 
silvery-white  flowers,  and  are  easily  cultivated.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

WiUinias,  four  species.  W.  cbryvihbsa  is  a  plant  that  has 
stood  in  high  estimation  ever  since  it  was  known,  l?ut,  unfor- 
tunately, there  is  a  very  inferior  plant.  Aristea  cyanea  got 
into  our  collections  under  that  name.  The  panicles  of  W. 
corymhbsa  are  quite  smooth;  those  of  Aristea  are  hairy,  which 
is  itself  sufficient  to  detect  them ;  but  otherwise  the  appear- 
ance of  W.  corymhbsa  is  much  stronger  and  more  erect  grow- 
ing, not  inclining  to  push  at  the  roots  so  much  as  Aristea. 
The  foliage  is  lanceolate  and  amplesicaule,  the  leaves  having 
much  the  nature  and  appearance  of  Iris.  The  plant  is  of 
easy  culture,  and  blooms  from  July  to  November;  colour  fine 
blue.  W.  ramosa  is  a  very  fine  species,  similar  to  the  above; 
flowers  yellow  and  blue;  plant  branching.     (Soil  No.  8.) 

Yucca  aloefolia,  and  its  beautiful  variety  varicgata,  are  de- 
sirable plants.  They  do  not  bloom  till  they  have  grown  to 
considerable  size ;  but  still  they  make  a  decided  contrast 
among  other  plants ;  the  flowers  are  white  and  produced  ou 
terminal  spikes.      (Soil  No.  11.) 

Zdmias,  about  twenty  species,  eight  of  which  belong  to  this 
compartment.  The  foliage  is  greatly  admired,  and  is  in  large 
fronds,  with  oblique,  lanceolate  leaflets.  Several  of  them 
glauceous.  They  bear  heads  of  flowers  of  a  brown  colour  in 
the  centre  of  the  plants,  very  like  large  pine  cones.  Z.  hbr- 
rida,  the  finest;  Z.  pungens,  Z.  spiralis,  and  Z.  lafi/blia,  are 
the  most  conspicuous.  They  must  be  kept  in  the  warmest 
part  of  the  green-house ;  and  give  them  large  well-drained 
pots,  watering  sparingly  during  winter.  They  are  imported 
from  the  Gape  of  Good  Hope.      (Soil  No.  11.) 

All  the  plants  herein  named  requiring  to  be  drained,  in  pre- 
paring the  pots,  place  first  a  piece  of  broken  pot,  oyster- 
shell,  or  any  similar  substitute,  with  the  convex  side  on  the 
hole  of  the  pot,  and  then  put  in  a  few,  or  a  handful  (accord- 
ing to  the  size  of  the  pot)  of  shivers  of  broken  pots,  or 
round  gravel  about  the  size  of  garden  beans.     Those  that 


March.2  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING.  261 

we  have  mentioned  in  this  Repotting,  as  to  be  done  in  this 
or  beginning  of  next  month,  is  not  intecrded  to  apply  to 
plants  in  general,  large  and  small,  but  to  those  that  are 
young,  and  require  encouragement,  or  to  those  that  were  not 
shifted  last  autumn.  The  roots  must  not  be  disturbed,  but 
the  ball  turned  out  entire ;  and  put  as  much  earth  as  will 
raise  the  ball  within  about  half  an  inch  of  the  rim  of  the  pot. 
Press  the  earth  down  around  it  with  a  thin  narrow  piece  of 
wood,  called  a  potting  stick,  frequently  shaking  it  that  no 
vacancy  may  be  left.  If  the  roots  are  rotten,  or  otherwise 
injured,  take  all  such  off.  If  this  be  the  case,  the  plant  will 
be  sickly.  Give  it  a  new  pot  of  a  smaller  size,  administering 
water  moderately  until  there  are  visible  signs  of  fresh  growth. 
The  plants  must  not  be  disturbed  while  flowering;  let  the  re- 
potting be  done  afterward.  Plants  are,  at  certain  stages,  if  in 
good  health,  in  a  state  that  no  one  can  err  in  shifting  them 
when  desirous  to  hasten  their  growth.  Those  plants  that 
make  two  or  more  growths  during  the  summer  may  be  repotted 
in  the  interim  of  any  of  these  growths,  and  all  others  just  be- 
fore they  begin  to  push  in  the  spring;  that  is,  when  the  wood 
buds  are  perceptibly  swelled.  Never  saturate  with  water 
fresh-potted  plants.  There  are  many  kinds  that,  without  in- 
jury, can  be  repotted  when  growing.  When  done  potting,  tie 
all  up  neatly  with  stakes  rather  higher  than  the  plant,  that  the 
new  shoots  may  be  tied  thereto  during  the  summer,  to  prevent 
them  from  being  destroyed  by  the  wind.  There  may  be  many 
that  do  not  require  repotting,  but  would  be  benefited  by  a 
top-dressing.  This  should  be  done  by  probing  off  all  the  sur- 
face earth  down  to  the  roots,  replacing  it  with  fresh  compost, 
suitable  to  the  nature  of  the  plant. 

When  the  above  is  done,  arrange  all  the  plants  in  proper 
order,  and  syringe  them  clean ;  but  if  there  are  any  of  the 
green-fly,  they  must  be  fumigated  previous  to  syringing.  The 
pavement  of  the  house  should  be  cleanly  and  neatly  swept 
every  day,  and  washed  at  least  once  a  week.  Thus,  every  part 
of  the  house  will  be  in  order  before  the  hurry  of  the  garden 
oommences. 


262  GREEN-HOUSE — OF   ENARCHING,  ETC.  iMurch. 


OF   ENARCHING   OR   GRAFTING   BY    APPROACH. 

■  In  this  method  of  grafting,  the  scion  is  not  separated  from 
the  parent  plant  until  it  is  firmly  united  with  the  stock ;  con- 
sequently, they  must  stand  contiguously.  We  intend  the 
following  method  to  apply  directly  to  Camellias,  as  they  are 
the  principal  plants  in  the  green-house  that  are  thus  worked. 
The  criterion  for  the  operation  is  about  the  first  of  March  or 
June.  Place  the  stock  contiguous  to  the  plant  where  the 
graft  or  enarch  is  to  be  taken  from.  If  the  branches,  where 
the  intended  union  is  to  take  place,  do  not  grow  at  equal 
heights,  a  slight  stage  may  be  erected  to  elevate  the  lower 
pot.  Take  the  branch  that  is  to  be  enarched  (the  wood  of 
last  year  is  the  most  proper),  and  bring  it  in  contact  with  the 
stock ;  mark  the  parts  where  they  are  to  unite,  so  as  to  form 
a  pointed  arch.  In  that  part  of  the  branch  which  is  to  re.st 
against  the  stock,  pare  off  the  bark  and  part  of  the  wood  to 
about  two  or  three  inches  in  length,  and  in  the  side  of  the 
stock  which  is  to  receive  the  graft  do  the  same,  that  the  in- 
side rind  of  each  may  be  exactly  opposite,  which  is  the  first 
part  where  a  union  will  take  place.  Bind  them  firxuly  and 
neatly  together  with  strands  of  Ilussia  matting,  and  protect 
the  joint  from  the  air  by  a  coat  of  close  composition ;  clay  of 
the  consistency  of  thick  paint,  turpentine,  or  wax,  will  equally 
answer.  Finish  by  fastening  the  grafted  branch  to  the  head 
of  the  stock  or  a  rod.  Many  practitioneis  make  a  slit  or 
tongue  into  the  enarch  and  stock,  but  we  find  it  unnecerisary, 
more  tedious,  and  likewise  more  danger  in  breaking.  Camel- 
lias are  also  grafted  and  budded,  buc  theso  two  operations  re- 
quire great  experience  and  continued  attention,  and  seldom 
prove  so  successful  as  enarchiiig.  When  they  have  perfectly 
taken,  which  will  be  in  from  chree  to  four  Konths,  begin  to 
separate  them  by  cutting  the  scion  a  little  at  three  difi'erent 
periods,  about  a  week  apart,  separating  it  at  the  tnird  time. 
If  the  head  is  intended  to  be  taken  oif  the  stock,  do  it  in  like 
manner.  By  the  above  me^ihod,  many  kinds  caD  be  grown  on 
the  same  stock.     The  samo  pian  applies  to  all  6ferf;reens. 


Aj>ril'}  GREEN-HOUSE — WATERING.  263 


APRIL. 

Regarding  the  shifting  or  repotting  of  plants,  the  direc- 
tions  given  last  month  may  be  followed.  If  the  plants  that 
require  it  are  not  shifted,  get  them  done  as  soon  as  possible. 
Those  that  were  repotted  last  month  will  have  taken  fresh 
root  in  the  new  soil,  and  the  advantage  will  soon  be  per- 
ceptible. In  order  to  strengthen  the  plants,  and  keep  them 
from  becoming  drawn  and  spindly,  admit  large  portions  of 
air  every  mild  day.  Indeed,  there  will  be  very  few  days 
in  this  month  that  a  little  air  may  not  be  given,  always 
observing  to  divide  the  quantity  regularly  over  the  house, 
in  cool  nights  closing  in  time.  About  the  end  of  the  month 
an  abundance  of  air  is  indispensable,  leaving  the  sashes  and 
doors  open  every  mild  night,  that  the  plants  may  be  inured 
to  the  open  exposure  they  will  have  in  a  few  weeks. 


watering. 

As  the  season  advances  and  vegetation  increases,  the 
waterings  will  require  to  be  more  copious  and  more  frequent. 
Look  over  all  plants  minutely  every  day,  and  with  judicious 
care  supply  their  wants.  Those  that  are  of  a  soft  shrubby 
nature,  and  in  a  free-growing  state,  will  require  a  larger  portion 
at  one  time  than  those  of  a  hard  texture,  which  may  only 
want  it  every  two  or  three  days.  The  weather  and  situation, 
in  some  instances,  may  require  a  modification  of  these  direc- 
tions. Plants  in  general  will  not  suffer  soon  from  being  a 
little  dry  as  from  being  over- watered.  The  health  and  beauty 
of  the  foliage  of  the  plants  may  be  much  improved  by  syring- 
ing them  freely  three  evenings  in  the  week,  except  in  moist 
weather,  when  it  ought  not  to  bo  done.  The  ravages  of  many 
insects  also  will  be  retarded,  especially  mildew  and  red  spider, 
which  will  be  entirely  destroyed.  If  the  red  spider  is  on  any 
of  the  plants  particularly,  take  them  aside  evening  and  morn- 
ing, and  give  them  a  good  dashing  with  water  through  the 
syringe.  Where  there  is  mildew,  after  syringing  the  plant, 
dust  it  on  the  affected  parts  with  flower  of  sulphur,  and  set 
them  for  a  few  days  where  they  will  be  sheltered  from  the 


264  GREEN-HOUSE — ORANGES,  ETC.  [^Api'il. 

wind,  after  which  wash  off  the  sulphur.  If  the  cure  is  not 
complete  renew  the  dose.  Always  sweep  out  and  dry  up 
the  water  in  the  house  when  any  is  spilt.  The  succulent 
plants  will  be  in  want  of  a  little  water  about  once  a  week, 
but  do  not  over-water  them,  as  there  is  not  heat  enough  to 
absorb  much  moisture.  If  the  soil  is  damp,  it  is  quite  suffi- 
cient. 


ORANGES,   LEMONS,   ETC., 

Will,  in  many  instances,  about  the  end  of  this  month,  be 
showing  flowers  or  flower-buds.  They  must,  under  these 
circumstances,  have  plenty  of  air  to  prevent  them  from  fall- 
ing off  when  entirely  exposed.  The  reason  that  we  see  so 
much  fine  blossom  falling  to  the  ground  where  the  trees  are 
brought  out  of  the  house  in  May,  is  from  the  confinement 
they  have  had.  Where  there  is  a  convenience  of  giving  air 
from  the  back  of  the  green-house,  it  should  always  be  given 
in  mild  days,  especially  in  those  houses  that  have  a  recess  back 
from  the  top  of  the  sashes,  for  even  if  the  sashes  are  let  down 
every  day,  still  the  house  will  not  be  properly  ventilated. 
Any  plants  that  are  sickly  and  intended  to  be  planted  in  the 
garden  next  month  to  renovate  their  growth,  may  be  cut  back 
(if  not  already  done)  as  far  as  is  required  to  give  the  tree  a 
handsome  form,  taking  care  not  to  cut  below  the  graft  of 
inoculation.  Let  the  operation  be  done  with  a  fine  saw  and 
sharp  knife,  smoothing  the  amputations  that  are  made  by  the 
saw;  and  if  they  are  large,  put  a  little  well-made  clay  over 
the  wound,  to  prevent  the  air  from  injuring  it.  Beeswax  and 
turpentine  are  preferable  to  clay,  not  being  subject  to  crack  or 
fall  off  by  the  weather. 

If  there  are  any  Lagerstroemias,  Pomegranate,  or  Hy- 
drangeas in  the  cellar,  they  should  be  brought  out  about  the 
first  of  the  month,  and  planted  in  their  respective  situations. 
Give  the  Hydrangea  a  very  shady  spot.  It  does  not  require 
much  sun,  provided  it  has  plenty  of  air,  and  do  not  plant  it 
into  soil  that  has  been  lately  manured.  A  large  plant  must 
have  great  supplies  of  water  in  dry  weather.  If  the  plant  is 
very  tbick,  the  oldest  branches  may  be  thinned  out,  but  do  not 
cut  out  any  of  the  young  shoots,  as  they  contain  the  embryo 
of  the  flower.     Lagerstroemias  will  flower  abundantly  without 


April.']  GREEN-IIOUSE— GERANIUMS.  265 

pruning,  but,  to  have  fine  large  spikes  of  flowers,  cut  in  the 
wood  of  last  year  to  about  three  eves  from  the  wood  of  the 
preceding  year;  by  this  they  will  be  much  finer.  Pome- 
granates will  only  require  a  little  of  the  superfluous  wood  cut 
out.  Perhaps  some  of  them  may  be  desired  to  flower  in  pot 
or  tabs  during  summer;  the  balls  will  admit  of  being  much 
reduced,  and  by  this  a  pot  or  tub  very  little  larger  will  do 
for  them.     Do  not  give  much  water  until  they  begin  to  grow. 


MYRTLES   AND   OLEANDERS. 

If  any  of  these  have  grown  irregularly,  and  are  not  headed 
down  or  otherwise  pruned,  as  directed  last  month,  it  should 
now  be  done.  Oleanders  are  very  subject  to  the  white  scaly 
insect,  and,  before  the  heat  of  summer  begins,  they  should 
be  completely  cleansed.  This  insect  is  likewise  found  on 
Myrtles,  which  are  worse  to  clean,  and  ought  to  be  minutely 
examined  twice  every  year.  We  have  observed  the  red  spider 
on  these  shrubs,  which  makes  the  foliage  brown  and  unsightly. 
If  it  is  detected  in  time,  syringing  is  an  efiectual  remedy. 


GERANIUMS. 

These  will  now  begin  to  flower,  and  the  sun  will  greatly 
deteriorate  their  rich  colours  where  they  are  near  the  glass 
with  a  southern  aspect.  The  glass  should  be  whitewashed 
or  covered  with  thin  muslin,  which  will  cast  a  light  shade 
over  them,  and  prolong  the  duratiGa  of  the  bloom;  but  if 
they  are  above  five  feet  from  the  glass,  shading  is  not  re- 
quisite. The  strong  kinds  will  be  growing  very  luxuriantly, 
and  require  liberal  supplies  of  water.  When  syringing,  do 
not  sprinkle  the  flowers,  as  it  would  make  the  colours  inter- 
mingle with  each  other,  and  cause  them  to  decay  prema- 
turely. If  they  have  been  properly  attended  to  in  that 
respect,  it  may  be  dispensed  with  after  they  have  come  in 
flower. 

Cape  Bulbs.  Those  that  flowered  late  in  autumn,  as 
eoon  as  the  foliage  begins  ta  (^c^y^  may  be  set  aside,  and 
the  water  withheld  lly  d'egfees.  When  the  foliage  is  en- 
tirely gone,  and  the  root^  jdryj,^; clear  th§iri  ftom-^e  earth, 


s 


[  a  Dep^t  of  JlgTi^^^' 


266  GREEN-HOUSE — INSECTS.  [^Ipri7 

and  after  lying  exposed  in  the  shade  for  a  few  days  to  dry, 
pack  them  up  in  dry  moss,  with  their  respective  names 
attached,  until  August,  when  they  may  be  again  potted. 
Treat  those  that  are  in  flower  the  same  as  directed  in  last 
month. 

Dutch  Roots.  All  the  species  and  varieties  of  these  that 
have  been  kept  in  the  green-house  during  the  winter  will  now 
be  done  flowering;  the  water  should  be  withdrawn  gradually 
from  them ;  and  then  the  pots  turned  on  their  sides  to  ripen 
the  bulbs.  Or,  a  superior  method  is,  where  there  is  the  con- 
venience of  a  garden,  to  select  a  bed  not  much  exposed. 
Turn  the  balls  out  of  the  pots  and  plant  them ;  the  roots  will 
ripen  better  this  way  than  any  other.  Have  them  correctly 
marked,  that  no  error  may  take  place.  They  can  be  lifted 
■with  the  other  garden  bulbs. 


FLOWERING  PLANTS 

The  best  situation  for  most  plants,  while  in  flower,  is 
where  they  are  shaded  from  the  sun,  and  fully  exposed  to 
the  air.  Primroses,  both  European  and  Chinese,  flower 
best,  and  the  colours  are  finest,  where  the  plants  are  in  the 
front  of  the  house  and  entirely  shaded.  The  Chinese  Azaleas 
and  Rhododendrons  require,  while  in  flower,  a  similar  situa- 
tion. Have  all  the  shoots  tied  naturally  to  neat  rods,  and 
keep  them  clear  from  others  by  elevating  them  on  empty 
pots,  or  any  other  substitute.  See  that  there  are  no  insecta 
upon  them ;  for  they  make  a  miserable  contrast  with  flowers. 
The  Cdlla  jEthiopica  should  stand  in  water  when  in  bloom, 
and  even  before  flowering  they  will  be  much  strengthened 
by  it. 

INSECTS. 

Insects  will,  on  some  plants,  be  very  perplexing  The 
weather  may  admit  of  those  that  are  infected  to  be  taken 
out  of  doors,  and  put  into  a  frame  in  any  way  that  is  most 
convenient.  Fumigating  them  about  fifteen  minutes,  if  the 
day  is  calm,  will  be  suflicient ;  but  if  windy,  they  will  take 
half  an  hour.  When  done,  syringe  them  well,  and  put 
them  in  their  respective  situations.      By  the  above  method, 


Ap^t]  GREEN-HOUSE — ELc  WERING    STOCKS.  267 

the  house  will  not  be  made  disagreeable  with  the  fumes  of 
tobacco. 

Tie  up  neatly  all  the  climbing  plants.  Keep  those  that 
are  running  up  the  rafters  of  the  house  close  to  the  longi- 
tudinal wires.  As  previously  observed,  running  plants  should 
not  be  taken  across  the  house,  except  in  some  instances  where 
it  can  be  done  over  the  pathway,  otherwise  it  shades  the  house 
too  much.  Clear  oiF  all  decayed  leaves  and  all  contracted 
foulness,  that  the  house  and  plants  may  in  this  month  have 
an  enlivening  aspect,  as  it  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  in- 
teresting seasons  of  the  year  in  the  green-house. 


FLOWERING   STOCKS. 

Those  that  have  been  kept  in  the  green-house,  or  in  frames, 
should  be  planted  into  beds  or  the  borders,  where  they  will 
seed  better  than  if  kept  in  the  pots.  The  method  generally 
adopted  is,  to  select  the  plants  that  are  intended  for  seed ; 
plant  the  different  kinds  distinctly  and  separately  ;  then  take 
a  few  double-flowering  plants  of  each  kind,  which  plant  round 
their  respective  single  varieties  that  are  to  be  kept  for  seed. 
Whenever  any  of  the  colours  sport,  that  is,  become  spotted  or 
striped  with  other  colours,  plant  such  by  themselves,  tor  they 
will  soon  degenerate  the  whole,  and  ought  never  to  be  seen  in 
collections  that  have  any  pretensions  to  purity.  Many  have 
been  the  plans  recommended  as  the  best  for  saving  and  grow- 
ing from  seed  the  double  varieties  of  German  stock.  In  every 
method  we  have  tried  we  have  been  successful  and  unsuccess- 
ful; although  we  generally  practise  planting  the  double  kinds 
beside  the  single,  where  they  are  intended  for  seed.  We  have 
no  scientific  reason  for  it;  not  seeing  what  influence  these 
monsters  of  flowers  can  have  over  a  flower  where  the  male 
and  female  organs  are  perfect ;  which  in  these  are  wanting. 
Some  say  that  the  semi-double  sorts  are  best;  we  have  like- 
wise found  them  both  abortive  and  fruitful  in  the  desired 
results. 


268  GREEN-HOUSE — WATERING,  ETC.  '[May. 


MAY. 

About  the  first  of  the  month  all  the  small  half-hardy  plants 
may  be  taken  out  of  the  green-house,  and  those  that  are  left 
will  be  more  benefited  by  a  freer  circulation  of  air,  which  will 
inure  them  to  exposure.  The  Geraniums  ought  to  stand  per- 
fectly clear  of  other  plants,  while  in  flower  and  growing,  or 
they  will  be  much  drawn  and  spindly. 


WATERING. 

We  have  advanced  so  much  on  this  subject,  another  obser- 
vation is  not  necessary,  except  as  to  succulents,  which  are 
frequently  over-watered  about  this  period.  Before  they  begin 
to  grow,  once  a  week  is  sufficient. 


OP   BRINGING   OUT   THE    GREEN-HOUSE   PLANTS. 

Those  trees  or  plants  of  Orange,  Lemon,  Myrtle,  Nerium, 
&c.,  that  were  headed  down  with  the  intention  of  planting 
them  into  the  garden,  to  renovate  their  growth,  should  be 
brought  out  and  planted  in  the  situations  intended  for  them. 
A  good  light  rich  soil  w<ll  do  for  either,  and  the  balls  of  earth 
might  be  a  little  reduced,  that  when  they  are  lifted',  tliey  might 
go  into  the  same  pot  or  tub,  or  perhaps  a  less  one.  This  being 
done,  the  plants,  generally  in  a  calm  day  from  the  12th  to  the 
18th  of  the  month,  should  be  taken  out,  carrying  them  directly 
to  a  situation  partially  shaded  from  the  ijun,  and  protected 
from  the  wind.  In  regard  to  a  situation  best  adapted  for  them 
during  summer,  sec  Hot-house  this  month,  which  will  equally 
apply  to  green-house  plants.  All  Primroses  and  Polyanthus 
delight  in  shade.  The  reason  of  so  many  plants  of  the  D. 
oddra^  djiog?  is  from  the  effects  of  the  sun  and  water.  We 
keep  them  always  in  the  green-house. 

*  Oa  examining  these  plants,  when  the  first  appearance  of  decay 
aflfected  them,  the  decayed  part  was  without  exception  at  the  surface 
of  the  soil,  which  was  completely  mortified,  while  the  top  and  roots 
•were  apparently  fresh.  This  led  us  to  conclude  that  the  cause  was 
the  effect  of  sun  and  water  on  the  stem.     We  have  since  kept  the 


Mai/.'\  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING   PLANTS.  269 

The  large  trees  may  be  fancifully  set  either  in  a  spot  for 
the  purpose,  or  through  the  garden.  Put  bricks  or  pieces  of 
wood  under  the  tubs  to  prevent  them  from  rotting,  and  strew 
a  little  litter  of  any  description  over  the  surface  of  the  soil  to 
prevent  evaporation,  or  about  one  inch  of  well-decayed  ma- 
nure, which  will,  from  the  waterings,  help  to  enrich  the  soil. 
A  liberal  supply  of  water  two  or  three  times  a  week  is  suffi- 
cient. A  large  tree  will  take  at  one  time  from  two  to  four 
gallons.  We  make  this  observation,  for  many  trees  evidently 
have  too  limited  a  supply.  Continue  to  syringe  the  plants 
through  the  dry  season  every  evening,  or  at  least  three  times 
per  week.  All  the  tall  plants  must  be  tied  to  some  firm  sup- 
port, because  the  squalls  of  wind  frequently  overturn  them, 
and  do  much  harm  by  breaking,  &c.  Keep  those  that  are  in 
flower  as  much  in  shade  as  will  preserve  them  from  the  direct 
influence  of  the  sun. 


REPOTTING   PLANTS. 

After  the  following-mentioned  plants,  or  any  assimilated  to 
them  are  brought  out  of  the  house,  and  before  they  are  put  in 
their  respective  stations,  repot  them  where  they  are  required 
to  grow  well. — Aloes.  These  plants,  so  varied  in  character, 
have  been  divided  into  several  genera.  These  are,  Gasteria, 
Pachidindron,  Riphidodendron,  Howdrthia,  and  Apicra  :  of 
these  there  are  about  two  hundred  species  and  varieties;  to 
enter  into  any  specific  detail  would  be  beyond  our  limits, 
especially  with  a  tribe  of  plants  that  as  yet  have  but  a  few 
patrons.      (Soil  No.  10.) 

Chamcerops.  There  are  about  seven  species  of  these  palms; 
four  of  them  belong  to  this  department,  and  are  the  finest  of 
those  that  will  keep  in  the  green-house.  They  all  have  large 
palmated  fronds,  and  require  large  pots  or  tubs  to  make  them 
grow  freely,  and  are  tenacious  of  life  if  kept  from  frost. 

Gardenia.  This  is  an  esteemed  genus  of  plants,  especially 
for  the  double  flowering  varieties,  which  are  highly  odorife- 
rous, and  have  an  evergreen  shining  foliage.     G.  florida  fiore 

earth  in  a  conical  form  round  the  stem,  thereby  throwing  the  water 
to  the  sides  of  the  pot,  and  kept  them  in  ihe  shade.     Previously  to 
doing  this,  great  numbers  perished  every  year,  and  now  no  plants 
thus  treated  die  with  us. 
23* 


270  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING  PLANTS.  [MoT/. 

pleno,  Cape  Jasmine,  is  a  plant  universally  known  in  our  col- 
lections, and  trees  of  it  are  frequently  seen  about  seven  feet 
high,  and  five  feet  in  diameter,  blooming  from  June  to  Oc- 
tober. G.  rddicans,  dwarf  Cape  Jasmine,  G.  hnijifblia,  G. 
multifibra,  G.  latifblia,  G.  Fortunii,  and  G.  camdl'wflora, 
are  also  in  several  collections,  but  not  so  generally  known ; 
the  flowers  are  double,  and  all  equally  fragrant.  We  are  in- 
clined to  think  they  arc  only  varieties  of  G.  fiorida,  of  which 
camelliajldra  is  one  of  the  finest.  Any  of  the  above  will  keep 
in  the  coldest  part  of  the  green-house,  and  even  under  the  front 
of  the  stage  is  a  good  situation  for  them,  where  the  house  is 
otherwise  crowded  during  winter.  They  must  be  sparingly 
watered  from  November  to  March.  Much  water,  while  they 
are  dormant,  gives  the  foliage  a  sickly  tinge,  a  state  in  which 
they  are  too  frequently  seen.  G.  rothmdnnia  and  G.  Thun- 
Mrgia  are  fine  plants,  but  seldom  flower;  the  flowers  of  the 
former  are  spotted,  and  are  most  fragrant  during  night.  (Soil 
No.  10.) 

Mesemhrydnihemum,  a  very  extensive  genus,  containing 
upward  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  species  and  varieties,  with 
few  exceptions,  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They  are 
all  singular,  many  of  them  beautiful,  and  some  splendid;  yet 
they  have  never  been  popular  plants  in  our  collections.  The 
leaves  are  almost  of  every  shape  and  form ;  their  habits  vary 
in  appearance.  Some  of  them  are  straggling,  others  are  insig- 
nificant, and  a  few  grotesque.  When  they  are  well  grown, 
they  flower  in  great  profusion ;  the  colours  are  brilliant  and 
of  every  shade ;  yellow  and  white  are  most  prevalent.  Each 
species  continues  a  considerable  time  in  flower.  The  flowers 
are  either  solitary,  axillary,  extra-axillary,  but  most  frequently 
terminal ;  leaves  mostly  opposite,  thick,  or  succulent,  and  of 
various  forms.  They  are  sometimes  kept  in  the  hot-house, 
but  undoubtedly  the  green-house  is  the  best  situation  for 
them.  They  must  not  get  water  above  twice  a  mouth  during 
winter,  but  while  they  are  in  flower,  and  through  the  summer 
they  require  a  more  liberal  supply,  and  they  seldom  need  to 
be  repotted;  once  a  ycir  is  sufficient.     (Soil  No.  18.)  ^ 


June,  July.']    green-house — observations.  271 


CAMELLIAS. 

These  plants,  when  they  are  brought  from  the  green-house 
(which  should  be  about  the  end  of  June),  ought  to  be  set  in 
a  situation  by  themselves,  that  they  may  be  the  more  strictly 
attended  to  in  watering  and  syringing.  An  airy  situation, 
where  the  sun  has  little  effect  upon  them,  is  the  best.  They 
should  be  syringed  every  evening  when  thei'e  has  been  no  rain 
through  the  day.  After  heavy  rains  examine  the  pots,  and 
where  water  is  found,  turn  the  plant  on  its  side  for  a  few 
hours  to  let  the  water  pass  off,  and  then  examine  the  draining 
in  the  bottom  of  the  pots,  which  must  be  defective. 


CAPE   BULBS. 

As  soon  as  these  are  done  flowering,  and  the  foliage  begins 
to  decay,  cease  watering,  and  turn  the  pots  on  their  sides, 
until  the  soil  is  perfectly  dry ;  then  take  out  the  bulbs,  and 
preserve  them  dry  until  the  time  of  planting,  which  will  be 
about  the  end  of  August  or  first  of  September. 


JUNE  AND  JULY. 

The  plants  being  out  of  the  house,  there  need  be  little 
added  under  this  head.  Their  treatment  is  in  the  general, 
and  the  required  attention  is  in  giving  water  according  to 
their  different  constitutions  and  habits.  Where  there  is  no 
rain  nor  river  water,  it  should  stand  at  least  one  day  in  butts 
or  cisterns,  to  take  the  chilly  air  from  it,  and  become  softened 
by  the  surrounding  atmosphere.  This  is  more  essential  to 
the  health  of  the  plants  than  is  generally  supposed.  The 
small  plants  in  dry  weather  will  need  water  evening  and 
morning.  Continue  regular  syringings  as  directed  last  month. 
There  are  frequently  rains  continuing  for  several  days,  whicn 
will  materially  injure  many  plants  if  they  are  not  turned  on 
their  sides,  or  defended  by  sash  or  shutters,  until  the  rain  i> 


'272  GREEN-HOUSE — GERANIUMS  [August. 

over,  especially  small  plants.  The  syringicgs  should  never  be 
done  till  after  the  waterings  at  the  roots,  and  they  should 
never  be  more  seldom  than  every  alternate  evening.  Turn 
all  the  plants  frequently,  to  prevent  them  from  being  drawn 
to  one  side  by  the  sun  or  light.  Cai-efully  look  over  them  at 
these  turnings  to  detect  any  insects;  and  observe  that  the 
tuberous-rooted  or  deciduous  geraniums,  such  as  Ardens, 
Bicolor,  Comptdnia,  Echindtum,  Tristum,  &c.,  are  not  getting 
too  much  water,  they  being  now  dormant. 


AUGUST. 

Any  of  the  Myrtles,  Oranges,  Lemons,  Oleanders,  &c., 
that  were  headed  down  in  April  or  May,  will  be  pushing  many 
young  shoots.  The  plant  must  be  carefully  examined,  to 
observe  which  of  the  shoots  ought  to  be  left  to  form  the  tree. 

Having  determined  on  this,  cut  out  all  the  others  close  to 
the  stem  with  a  small  sharp  knife;  and  if  the  remaining 
shoots  are  above  one  foot  long,  pinch  off  the  tops  to  make 
them  branch  out. 

The  trees  that  were  entirely  headed  down,  should  not  have 
above  sis  shoots  left,  which  will,  by  being  topped,  make  a 
sufficient  quantity  to  form  the  bush  or  tree. 


GERANIUMS. 

These  plants,  about  the  first  of  the  month,  require  a  com- 
plete dressing.  In  the  first  place  collect  them  all  together, 
and,  with  a  sharp  knife,  cut  off  the  wood  of  this  year  to 
within  a  few  eyes  of  the  wood  of  last  year.  Citrioddrum 
and  its  varieties  do  not  need  pruning.  The  plants  grown 
from  cuttings  during  the  season  that  have  flowered,  cut  them 
to  about  three  inches  from  the  pot.  This  being  done,  have 
the  earth  all  prepared,  and  potshreds  or  fine  gravel  at  hand, 
for  draining  the  delicate  kinds.  Choose  a  cloudy  day  for 
the  operation,  and  turn  the  plants  progressively  out  of  the 
pots  they  are  in,  reducing  the  balls  of  earth  so  that  the  same 


Aur/iist.']  GREEN-HOUSE ORANGES,  ETC.  273 

pots  may  co  itain  them  again,  and  allow  from  half  an  inch  to 
two  inches,  according  to  the  size  of  the  pot,  of  fresh  soil 
around  the  ball,  carefully  pressing  it  with  the  potting-stick. 
Finish  by  levelling  all  neatly  with  the  hand.  Give  very  gentle 
waterings  from  a  pot  with  a  rose  mouth,  for  a  few  weeks, 
until  they  have  begun  to  grow.  The  tuberous-rooted  and 
deciduous  species  must  be  very  moderately  supplied.  Be 
careful,  when  watering,  that  the  new  soil  does  not  become 
saturated  with  water,  for,  though  allowed  to  dry  again,  it  will 
not  be  so  pure.  When  they  grow  afresh,  expose  them  fully 
to  the  sun,  turn  them  regularly  every  two  weeks,  to  prevent 
them  growing  to  one  side. 


ORANGES,  LEMONS,  ETC. 

As  it  is  frequently  very  inconvenient  to  shift,  these  trees 
into  larger  tubs  in  the  months  of  March  and  April,  this  month 
is  a  period  that  is  suitable,  both  from  the  growth  of  the  trees 
and  their  being  in  the  open  air.  It  would  be  improper  to 
state  the  day  or  the  week,  that  depending  entirely  on  the 
season.  The  criterion  is  easily  observed,  which  is  when  the 
first  growth  is  over,  these  trees  making  another  growth  in 
autumn.  When  they  are  large,  they  recjuire  great  exertion, 
and  are  frequently  attended  with  inconvenience  to  get  them 
shifted.  Where  there  is  a  quantity  of  them,  the  best  plan 
that  we  have  tried  or  seen  adopted  is  as  follows  :  Have  a 
strong  double  and  a  single  block  trimmed  with  a  sufficiency 
of  rope ;  make  it  fast  to  the  limb  of  a  large  tree,  or  anything 
that  projects  and  will  bear  the  weight,  and  as  high  as  will 
admit  of  the.  plant  being  raised  a  few  feet  under  it.  Take  a 
soft  bandage  and  put  around  the  stem,  to  prevent  the  bark 
from  being  bruised;  make  a  rope  fast  to  it,  in  which  hook  the 
single  block.  Raise  the  plant  the  height  of  the  tub,  put  a 
spar  across  the  tub,  and  strike  on  the  spar  with  a  mallet, 
which  will  separate  the  tub  from  the  ball.  Then  with  a 
strong  pointed  stick  probe  a  little  of  the  earth  from  among 
the  roots,  observing  to  cut  away  any  that  are  affected  by  dry 
rot,  damp,  or  mildew,  with  any  very  matted  roots.  Having 
all  dressed,  place  a  potshreds  over  the  hole  or  holes  in  the 
bottom  of  the  tub ;  measure  exactly  the  depth  of  the  ball  that 
remains  around  the  plaiit,  and  fill  up  with  earth,  pressing  it 


274  GREEN  HOUSE — OF   PRUNING,  ETC.  lAugusf. 

•well  with  the  hand,  until  it  will  hold  the  ball  one  inch  under 
the  edge  of  the  tub.  If  there  is  from  two  to  four  inches  of 
earth  under  it,  it  is  quite  enough.  Fill  all  around  the  ball, 
and  press  it  down  with  a  stick,  finishing  neatly  off  with  the 
hand.  Observe  that  the  stem  of  the  tree  is  exactly  in  the 
centre.  This  being  done,  carry  the  tree  to  where  it  is  in- 
tended to  stand,  and  give  it  water  with  a  rose  on  the  pot. 
The  earth  will  subside  about  two  inches,  thus  leaving  three 
inches,  which  will,  at  any  time,  hold  enough  of  water  for  the 
tree.  Trees  thus  treated  will  not  require  to  be  shifted  again 
within  four  or  five  years,  having  in  the  interim  got  a  few  rich 
top-dressings. 

Frequently,  in  attempting  to  take  out  of  the  tubs  those 
that  are  in  a  sickly  state,  all  the  soil  falls  from  their  roots, 
having  no  fibres  attached.  When  there  are  any  such,  after 
replanting,  put  them  in  the  green-house,  and  shut  it  almost 
close  up  ;  there  give  shade  to  the  tree,  and  frequent  sprinklings 
of  water,  until  it  begins  to  grow,  when  admit  more  air  gra- 
dually until  it  becomes  hardened.  Sickly  trees  should  be  put 
in  very  small  tubs,  and  a  little  sand  added  to  the  soil.  Grive 
very  moderate  supplies  of  water,  merely  keeping  the  soil 
moist.  Tubs  generally  give  way  at  the  bottom  when  they 
begin  to  decay,  and  in  the  usual  method  of  coopering  after 
this  failure  they  are  useless,  the  ledging  being  rotten,  and 
will  not  admit  of  another  bottom.  The  staves  should  be 
made  without  any  groove,  and  have  four  brackets  nailed  on 
the  inside,  having  the  bottom  in  a  piece  by  itself,  that  it  can 
be  placed  on  these  brackets,  and  there  is  no  necessity  of  it 
being  water  tight.  Then  when  it  fails  it  can  be  replaced 
again  at  a  trifling  expense.  A  tub  made  in  this  way  will  out- 
last three  or  four  bottoms,  and  is  in  every  respect  the  cheap- 
est, and  should  be  more  wide  than  deep.  When  made  in  this 
manner  they  are  easier  shifted ;  you  have  only  to  set  the  tub 
on  a  high  block  of  wood,  and  drive  the  tub  off  with  a  mallet, 
when  the  tree  caji  be  easily  replaced  into  another  tub.  Large 
AJyrtles  and  Oleanders  may  be  treated  in  the  same  manner  as 
directed  for  the  above. 


OF  PRUNING  ORANGES,  LEMONS,  ETC. 

These    trees    will    grow    very    irregularly,    especially   the 
Lemon,  if  not  frequently  dressed  or  pruned.     Any  time  this 


Alic/list.']  GREEN-HOUSE — REPOTTING,  ETC.  275 

month  look  over  them  all  minutely,  and  cut  away  any  of  the 
small  naked  wood  where  it  is  too  crowded,  and  cut  all  young 
strong  straggling  shoots  to  the  bounds  of  the  tree,  giving  it 
a  round  regular  head.  It  is  sometimes  necessary  to  cut  out 
1  small  limb,  but  large  amputations  should  be  avoided. 
Cover  all  large  wounds  with  clay,  turpentine,  or  beeswax,  to 
prevent  the  bad  effects  of  the  air. 


OP  REPOTTING   PLANTS. 

Any  of  the  plants  enumerated  in  March  under  this  head 
may  be  now  done  according  to  directions  therein  given,  and 
which  apply  to  all  sizes.  This  is  the  proper  period  for  repot- 
ting the  following : 

Calla,  a  genus  of  four  species.  None  of  them  in  our  col- 
lections, and  in  fact  not  worth  cultivation,  except  G.  jEthi- 
opica,  Ethiopian  Lily,  which  is  admired  for  the  purity  and 
singularity  of  its  large  white  flowers,  or  rather  spatha,  which  is 
cucuUate,  leaves  sagittate.  It  is  now  called  Richardia  jEthi- 
opica.  The  roots,  which  are  tubers,  should  be  entirely  divested 
of  the  soil  they  have  been  grown  in,  breaking  off  any  small 
offriets,  and  potting  them  wholly  in  fresh  earth.  When  grow- 
ing, they  cannot  get  too  much  water.  The  plant  will  grow  in 
a  pond  of  water,  and  withstand  our  severest  winters,  provided 
the  roots  are  kept  at  the  bottom  of  the  water. 

Cyclamen.  There  are  eight  species  and  six  varieties  of 
this  genus,  which  consists  of  humble  plants  with  very  beau- 
tiful flowers.  The  bulbs  are  round,  flattened,  and  solid,  and 
are  peculiarly  adapted  for  pots  and  the  decorating  of  rooms. 
0.  coum,  leaves  almost  round ;  flowers  light  red ;  in  bloom 
from  January  to  April.  C.  persicum,  with  its  four  varieties, 
flower  from  January  to  April;  colour  white,  and  some  white 
and  purple.  C.  hedercefolium,  Ivy-leaved ;  colour  lilac ; 
there  is  a  white  variety ;  flowers  from  September  to  De- 
cember. C.  Uui'opceiim,  colour  lilac,  in  bloom  from  August 
to  October.  C  Neapolitdnum,  flowers  red ;  in  bloom  from 
July  to  September.  These  are  all  desirable  plants.  When 
the  foliage  begins  to  decay,  withhold  the  accustomed  sup- 
plies of  water,  keeping  them  in  a  half  dry  state ;  and,  when 
growing,  they  n^ust  not  be  over-watered,  as  they  are  apt  to 


276  GREEN-HOUSE — KEl'OTTIXG,  ETC.  lAilJUsf. 

rot  from  moisture.  Keep  them  during  the  summer  months 
in  partial  shade.  The  best  time  for  potting  either  of  the 
sorts  is  when  the  crown  of  the  bulb  begins  to  protrude.  If 
the  pots  are  becoming  large,  every  alternate  year  they  ma}' 
be  cleared  from  the  old  soil,  and  put  in  smaller  pots  with 
the  crown  entirely  above  the  ground.  When  the  flowers 
fade,  the  pedicles  twist  up  like  a  screw,  enclosing  the  germ 
in  the  centre,  lying  close  to  the  ground  until  the  seeds  ripen, 
from  which  plants  can  be  grown,  and  will  flower  the  third 
year. 

Lachendlia,  a  genus  of  about  forty  species  of  bulbs,  all 
natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  grow  well  in  our 
collections.  The  most  common  is  L.  tricolor.  L.  quadri' 
color  and  its  varieties  are  all  fine ;  the  colours  yellow,  scarlet, 
orange  and  green,  very  pure  and  distinct ;  L.  riihida,  L. 
punctata,  L.  orchoides,  and  L.  nervosa  are  all  fine  species. 
The  flowers  are  on  a  stem  from  half  to  one  foot  high,  and 
much  in  the  character  of  a  hyacinth.  The  end  of  the  month 
is  about  the  time  of  planting.  Five  inch  pots  are  large 
enough,  and  they  must  get  very  little  water  till  they  begin  to 
grow. 

Oxdlis,  above  one  hundred  species  of  Cape  bulbs,  and, 
like  all  other  bulbs  of  that  country,  they  do  exceedingly  well 
in  our  collections,  in  which  there  are  only  comparatively  a  few 
species,  not  exceeding  twenty.  0.  hirta,  branching,  of  a  ver- 
milion colour  ;  0.  Jiabili/dlia,  yellow  ;  0.  elongdta,  striped ; 
and  amcena  arc  those  that  require  potting  this  month.  The 
first  of  September  is  the  most  proper  period  for  the  others. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

This  genus  of  plants  is  so  varied  in  the  construction  of  its 
roots  that  the  same  treatment  will  not  do  for  all.  The  root 
is  commonly  bulbous,  and  these  will  keep  a  few  weeks  or 
months  out  of  the  soil,  according  to  their  size.  Several  are 
only  thick  and  fleshy;  these  ought  not  to  be  taken  out  of  the 
pots,  but  kept  in  them,  while  dormant;  and  about  the  end  of 
this  month  give  them  gentle  waterings.  When  they  begin  to 
grow,  take  the  earth  from  the  roots,  and  put  them  in  fresh 
soil.  In  a  few  months  the  bulbs  are  curiously  produced,  the 
original  bulb  near  the  surface  striking  a  radical  fibre  down- 
right fi'om  its  base,  at  the  extremity  of  which  is  produced  a 
new  bulb  for  the  next  year's  plant,  the  old  one  perishing. 

Ornithdgalum,  Star  of  Bethlehem^  about  sixty  species  of 


September.']       GREEN-HOUSE — OBSERVATIONS.  277 

bulbs,  principally  from  the  Cape  of  Gi-ood  Hope.  Many  of 
them  have  but  little  attraction.  The  most  beautiful  that  we 
have  seen  are  0.  lacteum,  which  has  a  spike  about  one  foot 
long,  of  fine  white  flowers,  0.  Peruviana,  blue  flowered,  and 
0.  aureum,  flowers  of  a  golden  colour,- in  contracted  rac-smose 
corymbs.  These  three  are  magn'.ficent.  O.  maritimuni  is 
the  ofiicinal  squill.  The  bulb  is  frequently  as  large  as  a 
human  head,  pear-shaped,  and  tunicated  like  the  onion.  From 
the  centre  of  the  root  arise  several  shining  glaucous  leaves  a 
foot  long,  two  inches  broad  at  base,  and  narrowing  to  a  point. 
They  are  green  during  winter,  and  decay  in  the  spring ;  then 
the  flower-stalk  comes  out,  rising  two  feet,  naked  half  way, 
and  terminated  by  a  pyramidal  thyrse  of  white  flowers.  The 
bulb  ought  to  be  kept  dry  from  the  end  of  June  till  now,  or 
it  will  not  flower  freely. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

Watering,  and  other  practical  care  of  the  plants,  to  be  done 
as  heretofore  described.  Frequently  the  weather  at  the  end 
of  this  month  becomes  cool  and  heavy.  Dew  falling  through 
the  night  will,  in  part,  supply  the  syringing  operation,  but  it 
must  not  be  suspended  altogether.  Once  or  twice  a  week  will 
suffice.  Any  of  the  plants  that  are  plunged  should  be  turned 
every  week.  In  wet  weather,  observe  that  none  are  sufi'ering 
from  moisture. 


SEPTEMBEK. 

During  this  month,  every  part  of  the  green-house  should 
have  a  thorough  cleantang,  which  is  too  frequently  neglected, 
and  many  hundreds  of  insects  left  unmolested.  To  preserve 
the  wood-work  in  good  order,  give  it  one  coat  of  paint  every 
year.  Repair  all  broken  glass,  whitewash  the  whole  interior, 
giving  the  flues  two  or  three  coats,  and  cover  the  stages  with 
hot  lime,  whitewash,  or  oil  paint;  examine  ropes,  pulleys,  and 
weights,  finishing  by  washing  the  pavement  perfectly  clean. 
24 


278  GREEN-HOUSE — STOCKS,  ETC.        {^September 

If  th(jre  have  been  any  plants  in  the  house  during  summer, 
be  sure  after  this  cleansing  that  they  are  clean  also,  before 
they  are  returned  to  their  respective  situations. 


OP  WATERING. 

The  intensity  of  the  heat  being  over  for  the  season,  the 
heavy  dews  during  night  will  prevent  so  much  absorption 
among  the  plants.  They  will,  in  general,  especially  by  the 
end  of  the  month,  require  limited  supplies  of  water  compa- 
ratively to  their  wants  in  the  summer  months.  Be  careful 
among  the  Geraniums  that  were  repotted  in  August,  not  to 
water  them  until  the  new  soil  about  their  roots  is  becoming 
dry.  Syringing  in  this  month  may  be  suspended  in  time  of 
heavy  dews,  but  in  dry  nights  resort  to  it  again. 

The  herbaceous  plants  and  those  of  a  succulent  nature  must 
be  sparingly  supplied.  The  large  trees  that  were  put  in  new 
earth  will  require  a  supply  only  once  a  week,  but  in  such 
quantity  as  will  go  to  the  bottom  of  the  tubs. 


PREPARING   FOR   TAKING   IN    THE    PLANTS. 

About  the  end  of  the  month,  all  the  plants  should  be  exa- 
mined and  cleaned  in  like  manner  as  directed  for  those  of  the 
hot-house,  last  month,  which  see.  From  the  first  to  the  eighth 
of  October  is  the  most  proper  time  to  take  them  into  the 
green-house,  except  those  of  a  half-hardy  nature,  which  may 
stand  out  until  the  appearance  of  frost.  Always  endeavour 
to  have  Geranium  plants  short  and  bushy,  for  they  are 
unsightly  otherwise,  except  where  a  very  few  large  specimens 
are  desired  for  show.  All  Myrtles  and  Oleanders  that  were 
headed  down,  if  the  young  shoots  are  too  crowded,  continue 
to  thin  them  out,  and  give  regular  turnings,  that  all  the  heads 
may  grow  regularly. 


STOCKS   AND   WALL-FLOWERS, 

That  are  wanted  to  flower  in  the  green-house  (where  they 
do  remarkably  well),  and  are  in  the  ground,  have  them  care- 


Septemher.']        GREEN-HOUSE — CAPE   BULBS.  279 

full}'  lifted  before  the  end  of  the  month,  and  planted  in  six 
or  seven  inch  pots,  with  light  loamy  soil.  Place  them  in  the 
shade  till  they  take  fresh  root,  and  give  them  frequent  sprink- 
lings of  water.  As  soon  as  the  foliage  becomes  erect,  expose 
them  to  the  full  sun,  and  treat  as  green-house  plants. 


CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

These  very  ornamental  plants  blooming  so  late,  and  at  a 
period  when  there  are  few  others  in  flower,  one  of  each  variety 
(or  two  of  some  of  the  finest)  should  be  lifted  and  put  in 
eight-inch  pots,  in  light  loamy  soil,  and  treated  as  above  di- 
rected for  stocks,  &c.  These  will  flower  beautifully  from  Oc- 
tober to  December ;  and,  when  done  blooming,  the  pots  may 
be  plunged  in  the  garden,  or  covered  with  any  kind  of  litter 
until  spring,  when  they  can  be  divided,  and  planted  out. 


CAPE  AND  HOLLAND  BULBS. 

About  the  end  of  this  month  is  the  period  for  all  of  these 
that  are  intended  for  the  green-house  to  be  potted.  We  spe- 
cified some  of  the  former  last  month,  and  will  here  enumerate 
a  ie-vf  others. 

Anomatheca  crdenta,  a  sparkling  little  gem  of  a  bulb,  pro- 
ducing a  mass  of  scarlet  flowers  spotted  with  orange  and 
brown. 

Bahiana,  a  genus  of  small  bulbs,  with  pretty  blue,  white, 
red,  and  yellow  flowers.  £.  distica,  pale  blue  flowers  in  two 
ranks.  £.  stricta,  flowers  blue  and  white.  B.  tuhijibra, 
beautiful  bright  blue.  B.  jjlicata  has  sweet-scented  pale  blue 
flowers.  B.  villosa,  red;  B.  suIjjJiurea,  sulphur-colour;  B. 
ruhro-cyanea,  dark  purple  with  crimson  centre.  There  are 
about  twenty  species  of  them,  and  they  grow  from  six  to 
twelve  inches  high.  Five-inch  pots  are  suflicient  for  them. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Gladiolus,  corn-flag,  a  genus  of  above  fifty  species.  There 
are  several  very  showy  plants  among  them,  and  a  few  very 
superb.  G.  fiorihundus,  large  pink  and  white  flowers.  G. 
cardindlis,  flowers  superb  scarlet,  spotted  with  white.  G. 
hi/zan{inus,   purple        G.   bldndvs,  flowers  of  a  blush  rose 


280  GREEN-HOUSE — HOLLAND    BULBS.     \_Stptember. 

colour,  and  handsome.  G.  cuspiddtus,  flowers  ■white  and 
purple.  G.  racembsuSy  flowers  beautiful  rose  and  white.  G. 
j)sittdcinus ;  the  flowers  are  striped  with  green,  yellow,  and 
scarlet,  about  four  inches  in  diameter,  in  great  profusion,  on 
a  stem  about  two  feet  high.  G.  /unnosissimus,  beautiful 
bright  scarlet,  the  three  upper  petals  having  a  spot  of  white, 
a  very  profuse  bloomer.  G.  Queen  Victoria,  G.  Lafayette, 
and  several  others  are  of  very  similar  character.  G.  (janila- 
vensis,  very  superb  orange  and  yellow.  G.  Bvi&tii,  large 
bright  scarlet,  perhaps  the  finest  of  the  whole  family.  They 
all  do  perfectly  when  kept  di-y  all  winter,  and  planted  in  the 
open  ground  early  in  March.  The  beauty  of  this  genus  is  all 
centered  in  the  flowers.     (Soil  No.  10.) 

Ixin,  a  genus  containing  about  twenty-five  species  of  very 
free-flowering  bulbs.  I.  monacWpha,  flowers  blush  and  green. 
/.  leucdntha,  flowers  large  white.  /.  capatdta,  flowers  in 
heads,  of  a  white  and  almost  black  colour.  /.  conica,  flowers 
orange  and  velvet.  /.  columeldris  is  a  beautiful  shaded  rosy 
purple.  I.  kermosina,  a  fine  vermilion  colour.  /.  squaUida, 
shaded  rosy  lilac ;  /.  viridijlbra,  green ;  I.  longiflbra,  buff". 
The  flower  stems  are  from  six  to  twenty-four  inches  high. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

lAlium.  The  Chinese  species  of  this  emblem  of  purity 
is  everywhere  esteemed,  and  the  fine  Chinese  sorts  are  very 
splendid,  such  as  L.  longiflbra,  L.  longiflora  suaveolens,  and 
L.  japonicum,  are  all  pure  white;  L.  lancifbliiim,  white 
petals  reflexed ;  L.  lancifblium  piinctatum,  white,  spotted 
with  rose;  L.  lancifblium  speciosum,  rose,  spotted  with 
crimson.  L.  lancifblium  and  its  varieties,  are  all  delight- 
fully scented  with  the  odour  of  vanilla ;  noble  specimens  of 
the  family  hom  Japan,  growing  from  four  to  six  feet  high; 
a  full-grown  bulb  producing  from  ten  to  twenty  flowers,  and 
perfectly  hardy  south  of  Philadelphia.  They  should  be 
potted  in  seven  or  eight  inch  pots,  and  kept  in  a  cool  part  of 
the  green-house ;  give  the  pots  at  least  one  inch  of  drainage. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Oxdlis.  All  the  varieties  and  species  may  now  be  potted ; 
the  whole  are  pretty  spring  flowers,  requiring  to  be  kept 
near  the  glass:  among  the  many  the  following  are  very 
deserving  of  attention  :  0.  hixulus,  or  rosacea,  bright  rose. 
0.  Bbwii,  bright  rose  red,  a  large  and  profuse  bloomer,  and 
one  of  the  finest.      0.  florahicnda,  pink ;  a  pretty  free-flow- 


September.']     GREEN-HOUSE — HOLLAND   BULBS.  281 

ering  tuberous  species.  0.  luxula  alba,  blush,  wbite;  0. 
midtijldra,  profuse  flowering,  white.  0.  versicolor,  striped. 
0.  dippii,  lilac,  which  blooms  in  summer.  0.  caparinay 
yellow ;  there  is  also  a  double  yellow  variety,  though  not 
pretty;  for  a  few  others  see  last  month.  There  should  be 
three  or  four  bulbs  planted  in  a  five-inch  pot,  giving  very 
little  water  till  they  begin  to  grow.  They  will  all  keep  in 
good  pits,  as  well  as  in  the  green-house.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Spardxis.  We  are  enraptured  with  this  beautiful  genus 
of  small  bulbs,  closely  allied  to  Ixia,  but  more  varied  in 
colour.  S.  grandiflbra  striata  is  striped  with  purple  and 
white.  ^S".  versicolor,  colours  crimson,  dark  purple,  and  yel- 
low. S.  tricolor,  yellow,  black,  and  scarlet.  S.  albida, 
large  white,  with  black  spots.  S.  coelestis,  bluish  purple.  ^S*. 
sulphurea,  yellow.  S.  purpilrascens,  purple.  Treat  as  Oxdlis. 
(Soil  No.  11.) 

Tritbnia,  a  genus  of  about  twenty-five  species.  Few  of 
them  deserve  culture  in  regard  to  their  beauty.  T.  crocdta, 
is  in  our  collections  as  /  crocdta,  which  is  among  the  finest, 
and  T.  zanthospUa  has  white  flowers,  curiously  spotted  with 
yellow.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Watsoiiia,  a  genus  containing  several  species  of  showy 
flowers,  several  of  which  are  in  our  collections  under  the 
genus  Gladiolus,  but  the  most  of  the  species  may  be  dis- 
tinguished from  it  by  their  flat  shell-formed  bulbs.  W.  iridi- 
fblia  is  the  largest  of  the  genus,  and  has  flowers  of  a  flesh 
colour.  W.  rosea  is  large  growing,  the  flowers  are  pink,  and 
on  the  stem  in  a  pyramidal  form.  W.  humilis  is  a  pretty 
red-flowering  species.  W.  fulgida,  once  Antholyza  fulgensj 
has  fine  bright  scarlet  flowers.  W.  rilbens  is  an  esteemed  red- 
flowering  species,  but  scarce.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

These  genera  of  bulbous  plants  are  in  general  cultivation. 
There  are,  no  doubt,  some  splendid  species  that  have  not 
come  under  our  observation,  and  others  which  may  be  ob- 
tained from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  China  that  are  not 
known  in  any  collection,  all  of  which  would  be  perfectly  hardy 
in  our  Southern  States.  Bulbs  generally  require  very  little 
w"ater  until  they  begin  to  gx'ow;  then  supply  moderately,  and 
keep  tliem  near  the  light.  Of  the  Holland  or  Dutch  bulbs, 
the  Hyacinth  is  the  favourite  to  bloom  in  the  green-house.  A 
few  of  the  Tulip,  JVar:issus,  Iris  and  Crocus,  may,  for  variety, 
be  also  planted  with  any  other  that  curiosity  may  dictate. 
24* 


28ii  GREEN-HOUSE — OF   TAKING   IN,  ETC.        lOctobet 

When  these  are  grown  in  pots,  the  soil  should  be  four-eighths 
loam,  two-eighths  leaf  mould,  one-eighth  decomposed  manure, 
one-eighth  sand,  well  compounded ;  plant  in  pots  from  five  to 
seven  inches,  keep  the  crown  of  the  bulb  above  the  surface  of 
the  soil,  except  of  the  tulip,  which  should  be  covered  two 
inches.  When  these  roots  are  potted,  plunge  them  in  the 
garden  about  three  inches  under  ground  j  mark  out  a  space 
sufficient  to  contain  them ;  throw  out  the  earth  about  four 
inches  deep,  place  the  pots  therein,  covering  them  with  earth 
to  the  above  depth,  making  it  in  the  form  of  a  bed.  Leave 
a  trench  all  round  to  carry  off  the  rain.  By  so  doing,  the 
bulbs  will  root  strongly,  the  soil  will  be  kept  in  a  conge- 
nial state  about  them,  and  they  will  prove  far  superior  than 
if  done  in  the  common  method.  Lift  them  from  this  bed  ou 
the  approach  of  frost,  or  not  later  than  the  second  week  of 
December ;  wash  the  pots  and  take  them  into  the  green-house. 


OCTOBER. 

OF   TAKING   IN   AND   ARRANGING   THE   PLANTS. 

As  observed  in  the  previous  month,  let  the  housing  of 
green-house  plants  now  be  attended  to.  Have  all  in  before 
the  eighth  of  the  month,  except  a  few  of  the  half-hardy  sorts, 
which  may  stand  until  convenient.  Begin  by  taking  in  all 
the  tallest  first,  such  as  Oranges,  Lemons,  Myrtles,  Oleanders, 
&c.  Limes  ought  to  be  kept  in  the  warmest  part  of  the 
house,  otherwise  they  will  throw  their  foliage.  In  arrange- 
ment, order  is  necessary  to  have  a  good  effect;  and  in  small 
bouses  it  ought  to  be  neat  and  regular,  placing  the  tallest 
behind,  and  according  to  their  size  graduating  the  others 
down  to  tho  lowest  in  front.  Disjjose  the  different  sorts  in 
varied  order  over  the  house,  making  the  contrast  as  striking 
as  possible.  Having  the  surface  of  the  whole  as  even  as 
practicable,  with  a  few  of  the  most  conspicuous  for  shape  and 
beauty  protruding  above  the  mass,  ^fhich  will  much  improve 
the  general  appearance,  and  greatly  add  to  the  effect.  All 
succulents  should  be  put  together.     In  winter  they  will  do 


October.']  GREEN-HOUSE — OF   REPOTTING.  283 

in  a  dark  part  of  the  house,  where  other  plants  will  not 
grow,  studying  to  have  the  most  tender  kinds  in  the  warmest 
part,  and  giving  gentle  waterings  every  three  or  four  weeks. 
When  all  are  arranged,  give  them  a  proper  syringing,  after 
which  wipe  clean  all  the  stages,  benches,  &c.,  sweeping  out 
all  litter,  and  wash  clean  the  pavement,  which  will  give  to  all 
a  neat  and  becoming  appearance. 

Let  the  waterings  now  be  done  in  the  mornings,  as  often 
and  in  such  quantities  as  will  supply  their  respective  wants, 
examining  the  plants  every  day. 

During  the  continuance  of  mild  weather,  the  circulation  of 
air  must  be  as  free  as  possible,  opening  the  doors  and  front 
and  top  sashes  regularly  over  the  house.  But  observe  in 
/rosty  nights  to  keep  all  closely  shut.  Be  attentive  in  clear- 
ing off  decayed  leaves  and  insects. 

Any  plants  of  Lagerstnemia,  StercMia,  Hydrangea^ 
Pomegranate,  and  others  equally  hardy,  that  are  deciduous, 
may  be  kept  perfectly  in  a  dry,  light,  airy  cellar :  give  fre- 
quent admissions  of  air,  and  one  or  two  waterings  during 
winter. 


OF  REPOTTING. 

Anemones.     Where  A.  nemorosa  florc  plena  and  A.  thalio 

troides  fibre  plena  are  kept  in  pots  in  the  green-house,  they 
should  be  turned  out  of  the  old  earth,  and  planted  in  fresh 
soil.  They  are  both  pretty,  low-growing,  double  white  flow- 
ering plants,  and  require  a  shaded  situation.  The  latter  is 
now  called  Thalictrum  anemoncoides.     (Soil  No.  11.) 

Daphne  is  a  genus  of  diminutive  shrubs,  mostly  over- 
greens  of  great  beauty  and  fragrance.  Very  few  species  of 
them  are  in  our  collections.  I),  odora,  frequently  called  Z>. 
indica,  is  an  esteemed  plant  for  the  delightful  odour  of  its 
flowers,  and  valuable  for  the  period  of  its  flowering,  being 
from  December  to  March,  according  to-the  situation;  leaves 
scattered,  oblong,  lanceolate  and  smooth ;  flowers  small  white, 
in  many  flowered  terminal  heads;  there  is  a  variety  equally 
as  fine  with  marginated  foliage.  D.  odora  rubra,  the  buds 
are  red,  and  the  flowers  rose  white,  of  a  delightful  spicy  fra- 
grance. U.  hybrida  is  a  species  in  high  estimation  at  present 
'n  Europe,  but  little  known  here   being  only  in  a  few  collec. 


284  GREEN-HOUSE. — OF   REPOTTING.  \_October, 

tions,  flowers  rosy  purple,  in  terminal  heads,  and  lateral 
bunches  in  great  profusion ;  blooms  from  January  to  May, 
and  is  of  a  peculiar  fragrance.  D.  oleoides  is  what  may  be 
termed  "  ever-blooming :"  flowers  of  a  lilac  colour ;  leaves 
elliptic,  lanceolate,  smooth.  D.  laureola,  Spurge  laurel ;  D. 
pdntica,  D.  alplna,  and  D.  Cneorum,  are  all  fine  species,  and 
in  Europe  are  esteemed  ornaments  in  the  shrubbery,  but  they 
are  not  hardy  in  our  vicinity.     (Soil  No.  15.) 

Primula.  There  are  a  few  fine  species  and  varieties  in 
this  genus,  adapted  either  for  the  green-house  or  rooms.  All 
the  species  and  varieties  will  keep  perfectly  well  in  a  frame, 
except  the  China  sorts.  Having  previously  observed  a  few  of 
the  other  species  and  varieties,  we  will  observe  the  treatment 
of  these.  P.  sinensis,  known  commonly  as  China  primrose; 
flowers  pink,  and  in  large  proliferous  umbels,  flowering  almost 
through  the  whole  year,  but  most  profusely  from  January  to 
May.  There  is  a  double  white  and  a  double  purple  variety 
that  will  always  be  scarce,  from  the  slow  method  of  their  pro- 
pagation. Keep  them  in  the  shade,  and  be  careful  that  they 
are  not  over-watered  during  summer.  As  the  stems  of  the 
plant  become  naked,  at  this  repotting  a  few  inches  should  be 
taken  ofi"  the  bottom  of  the  ball,  and  placing  them  in  a  larger 
pot  will  allow  the  stems  to  be  covered  up  to  the  leaves.  P. 
p.  albljlora,  colour  pure  white  and  beautiful.  P.  p.  denti- 
Jlora ;  there  is  also  a  white  variety  of  this,  both  similar  to 
the  former  two,  only  the  flower  indented  or  fringed.  All 
these  require  the  same  treatment.  As  they  live  only  a  few 
years,  many  individuals,  to  propagate  them,  divide  the  stems, 
which  in  most  cases  will  utterly  destroy  them.  The  best,  and 
we  may  say  the  only  method  to  increase  them  is  from  seed,  . 
which  they  produce  every  year.     (Soil  No.  2.) 

Pcednia  mdutan:  this  magnificent  plant  and  its  varieties 
are  quite  hardy  with  us,  but  most  of  them  require  the  green- 
house in  northern  latitudes.  These  are  P.  moutan,  Tree 
Pseony ;  the  flower  is  about  five  inches  in  diameter,  of  a 
blush  colour,  and  semi-double.  P.  M.  Bankitii,  is  the  common 
Tree  Pteony,  and  called  in  our  collection  P.  moutan;  it  has 
a  very  large  double  blush  flower,  and  is  much  admired.  P. 
31.  pajynveracea  is  a  most  magnificent  variety;  has  large 
single  white  flowers,  with  purple  centres.  P.  M.  rosea  is  a 
splendid  rose-coloured  double  variety,  and  is  scarce;  there  are 
also  iu  China  several  other  varieties,  such  as  purple,  scarlet, 


October.'}  GREEN-HOUSE — CAMELLIAS.  285 

and  crimson,  which  have  been  introduced  into  cultivation,  and 
within  these  few  years,  many  varieties  have  originated  ia 
Europe,  said  to  be  very  magnificent.  These  plants  ought  not 
to  be  exposed  to  the  sun  while  in  flower,  as  the  colours  become 
degenerated,  and  premature  decay  follows. 

if  the  Dutch  bulbs  intended  for  flowering  during  winter 
are  not  potted,  have  them  all  done  as  soon  as  possible,  accord- 
ing to  directions  given  last  month. 


CAMELLIAS. 

These  plants  ought  to  have  a  thorough  examination,  and 
Ihose  that  were  omitted  in  repotting  before  they  commenced 
growing,  may  be  done  in  the  early  part  of  this  mouth ;  but 
it  is  not  advisable,  except  the  roots  are  all  round  the  ball  of 
earth,  which  should  be  turned  out  entire.  Examine  all  the 
pots,  stir  up  the  surface  of  the  earth,  and  take  it  out  to  the 
roots,  supplying  its  place  with  fresh  soil.  Destroy  any  worms 
that  may  be  in  the  pots,  as  they  are  very  destructive  to  the 
fibres.  Look  over  the  foliage,  and  with  a  sponge  and  water, 
clear  it  of  all  dust,  &c.  Frequently  the  buds  are  too  crowded 
on  these  plants,  especially  the  Double  white  and  Varie<jated. 
In  such  case  pick  off  the  weakest,  and  where  there  are  two 
together,  be  careful  in  cutting,  so  that  the  remaining  bud  may 
not  be  injured. 

This  is  the  best  period  of  the  year  to  make  selections  of 
these,  as  they  now  can  be  transported  hundreds  of  miles 
without  any  material  injury,  if  they  are  judiciously  packed 
in  close  boxes.  In  making  a  choice  of  these,  keep  in  view 
to  have  distinctly  marked  varieties,  including  a  few  of  those 
that  are  esteemed  as  stocks  for  producing  new  kinds,  which 
are  undoubtedly  indispensable,  and  will  reward  the  cultivator 
in  a  few  years  with  new  sorts.  Besides,  it  will  afford 
unbounded  gratification  to  behold  any  of  these  universally 
admired  ornaments  of  the  green-house  improving  by  our 
assistance  and  under  our  immediate  observation.  There  ia 
nothing  to  prevent  any  indi^dual  from  producing  splendid 
varieties  in  a  few  years.  Mr.  Hogg  correctly  observes,  "  It 
is  very  probable  in  a  few  years  we  shall  have  as  great  a 
variety  of  Camellias  as  there  are  of  Tulips,  Hyacinths,  Car- 


286  GREEN-HOUSE — OF  AIR  AND  WATER.  [November 

nations,  Auriculas,"  &c.     This  shrewd  remark  is  likely  to  bo 
verified  rauch  earlier  than  we  anticipated. 

It  has  been  often  said  that  these  plants  are  difficult  of 
cultivation.  This  is  unfounded  j  indeed,  they  are  the  reverse 
if  put  in  a  soil  congenial  to  their  nature.  When  highly 
manured  soils  are  given,  which  are  poisonous  to  the  plants, 
sickness  or  death  will  inevitably  ensue  j  but  this  cannot  be 
attributed  to  the  delicacy  of  their  nature.  We  can  unhe- 
sitatingly say  there  is  no  green-house  plant  more  hardy  or 
easier  of  cultivation,  provided  they  are  kept  at  an  even 
temperature,  say  from  40°  to  45°  during  night,  and  45°  to 
50°  during  day,  and  they  are  equally  so  in  the  parlour,  if 
not  kept  confined  in  a  room  where  there  is  a  continuance  of 
drying  fire  heat,  their  constitution  not  agreeing  with  an  arid 
atmosphere. 


SOWING   CAMELLIA    SEED. 

These  seeds  ripen  generally  during  September  and  October, 
and  must  be  sown  as  soon  as  ripe ;  plant  them  about  one  inch 
under  ground  into  pots  filled  with  leaf  mould,  loam,  and  white 
sand,  in  equal  portions  ;  if  the  pots  after  sowing  can  be  placed 
in  a  hot-house,  they  will  vegetate  in  about  six  weeKS,  and  be 
ready  to  pot  into  single  pots  in  February.  Many  of  them 
will  bloom  in  the  second  year;  but  if  heat  is  not  accessible, 
keep  the  pots  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  green-house,  and 
give  an  occasional  watering,  and  the  plants  will  appear  some 
time  in  May  and  June  :  they  will  be  ready  to  pot  into  single 
pots  in  September,  and  after  doing  so  put  them  into  a  close 
frame,  and  shade  them  from  the  sun  for  a  few  weeks ;  use  at 
this  potting  only  about  one-fifth  of  sand. 


NOVEMBER. 

OF   AIR   AND   WATER. 


Airing  the  house  should  be  strictly  attended  to.     Every 
day  that  there  is  no  frost  it  may  be  admitted  largely,  and 


December. ~\       green-house — observations.  287 

jti  time  of  slight  frosts  in  smaller  portions,  never  keeping  it 
altogether  close  when  the  sun  has  any  effect  on  the  interior 
temperature  of  the  house,  which  should  not  be  allowed  to  be 
higher  than  fifty  degrees. 

Water  must  be  given  in  a  very  sparing  manner.  None  of 
the  plants  are  in  an  active  state  of  vegetation,  consequently 
it  will  be  found  that  looking  over  them  thrice  a  week  and 
supplying  their  wants  will  be  sufficient.  Succulents  will  need 
a  little  once  in  three  weeks  or  a  month.  Give  very  moderate 
supplies  to  the  Amaryllis  that  are  dormant,  and  keep  all  these 
bulbs  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  house. 


OP   TENDER   BULBS. 

Where  there  are  tropical  bulbs  in  the  collection,  and  there 
is  not  the  convenience  of  a  hot-house,  they  may  be  very  well 
preserved  by  shaking  them  clear  of  the  soil.  Dry  them  pro- 
perly, and  place  them  in  a  box  of  very  dry  sand  or  moss,  and 
put  them  in  a  situation  near  the  furnace,  where  they  will  be 
free  from  damp.  These  caa  be  potted  about  the  first  of  April. 
Give  no  water  till  they  b^igin  to  grow,  then  plant  them  in  the 
garden  about  the  middle  of  May,  where  they  will  flower  during 
the  summer  season,  if  they  are  mature. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

If  there  are  any  of  the  half-hardy  plants  exposed,  have 
them  taken  into  the  house  or  under  the  requisite  protection, 
in  frames,  pits,  cellars,  &c.  The  autumn  flowering  Cape  bulbs 
should  be  placed  near  the  glass,  and  free  from  the  shade  of 
other  plants.  Cleanliness  through  the  whole  house  and 
among  the  plants  ought  at  all  times  to  be  attended  to. 


DECEMBER. 

The  weather  may  probably  be  now  severe,  and  it  is  at 
all  times  advisable  to  keep  the  temperature  as  steady  and 


288  GREEN-HOUSE — BULBOUS  ROOTS.      \_Decemler. 

regular  as  possible.  The  thermometer  should  be  kept  in  the 
centre  of  the  house,  and  free  from  the  effects  of  reflection. 
As  noticed  last  month,  sun  heat  may  be  as  high  as  50"^  ia 
the  house,  and  would  not  be  hurtful,  but  it  should  not  con- 
tinue so  for  any  considerable  time  without  admission  of  air. 
The  fire  heat  should  not  exceed  45°,  and  never  below  35°. 
It  ought  not  to  continue  at  that  point — 36°  is  the  lowest  for 
a  continuation  that  with  safety  can  be  practised ;  and  where  a 
collection  of  Cactii  are  kept,  40°  should  be  the  lowest.  So 
that  no  error  may  occur,  the  temperature  ought  to  be  known 
in  the  coolest  and  warmest  parts  of  the  house,  and  the  varia- 
tion remembered ;  then  whatever  part  of  the  house  the  ther- 
mometer is  placed,  a  true  calculation  of  the  heat  of  the  whole 
interior  can  be  made.  We  would  recommend  to  the  inexperi- 
enced to  keep  the  thermometer  in  the  coldest  part  of  th.^ 
house.  A  green-house  compactly  and  closely  built,  and  the 
lowest  row  of  top  sash  all  covered  with  shutters  (which  no 
house  ought  to  be  constructed  without),  will  seldom  require 
artificial  heat;  but  by  being  long  kept  close,  the  damp  will 
increase.  In  such  case  give  a  ]ittle  fire  heat,  and  admit  air 
to  purify  the  house.  In  fresh  mild  weather,  give  liberal  por- 
tions of  air  all  over  the  house :  atd  though  there  is  a  little 
frost,  while  mild,  and  the  sun  shining,  the  plants  will  be  bene- 
fited by  a  small  portion  of  air  for  the  space  of  an  hour,  or 
even  for  half  of  that  time. 

Whatever  state  the  weather  may  be  through  the  winter, 
never  keep  the  house  long  shut  up.  Thirty-six  hours  should 
be  the  longest  time  at  once ;  rather  give  a  little  fire  heat. 

We  are  no  advocates  for  keeping  plants  in  the  dark^  and 
never  think  that  our  plants  are  receiving  justice  if  kept  longer 
in  darkness  than  one  night. 


BULBOUS   ROOTS, 

Those  that  were  plunged  in  the  garden,  if  not  lifted  and 
brought  under  cover,  this  should  now  be  done  without  delay. 
Clean  the  pots,  and  stir  up  the  surface  of  the  soil.  Hyacinths 
grow  neatest  by  being  kept  very  close  to  the  top  glass ;  the 
flower-stems  are  thereby  stronger  and  shorter.  Water  mode- 
rately until  they  begin  to  grow  freely. 


-is, 

THE 

AMERICAN  FLOWER-GAEDEN 
DIRECTORY. 


ROOMS. 

PLANTS   IN  ROOMS. 


To  treat  on  the  proper  management  of  plants  in  windows 
ia  a  subject  of  considerable  difficulty;  every  genus  requiriug 
some  variation  both  in  soil,  water,  and  general  treatment. 
However,  a  great  part  of  the  labour  will  be  abridged  by  refer- 
ring to  these  subjects  in  the  green-house  culture,  which  is 
quite  applicable  to  the  parlour,  green-room,  or  veranda.  If 
the  room  where  the  plants  are  kept  is  dark  and  close,  but  few 
will  ever  thrive ;  if,  on  the  contrary,  it  is  light  and  airy,  with 
the  windows  in  a  suitable  aspect  to  receive  the  sun,  plants 
will  do  nearly  as  well,  and,  in  some  instances,  better,  than  in 
a  green-house.  This  is  a  well-known  fact,  and  may  be  ob- 
served every  day.  We  have  seen  as  fine  plants  of  Cactus, 
Daphne,  Roses,  Geraniums,  Callas,  Laurestinus,  Carnations, 
Azaleas,  and  Myrtles,  grown  in  a  window,  from  year  to  year, 
as  ever  could  be  grown  in  a  green-house.  Indeed,  when 
there  is  a  failure,  it  can  be  traced  to  one  of  the  following 
three  causes : 

1st.    Want  of  proper  light  and  pure  air  is,  perhaps,  the 

most  essential  point  of  any  to  be  considered ;   for,  however 

well  all  other  requisites  are  attended  to,  a  deficiency  in  either 

of  these  will  cause  the  plants  to  grow  weak,   yellow,  and 

25  (289) 


290  ROOMS — PLANTS  IN  ROOMS. 

sickly.  Therefore,  have  them  always  placed  as  near  the 
light  as  possible,  and  receive  as  much  air  as  can  be  admitted, 
when  the  weather  will  allow,  and  occasionally,  in  fine  days, 
carry  them  out  of  doors,  and  give  them  a  sprinkling  of  water 
all  over. 

2d.  Injurious  watering  does  more  injury  to  plants  in  rooms 
than  many  persons  imagine ;  and  it  is  very  often  to  be  ob- 
served that  some  individuals  destroy  all  with  too  much,  and 
others  kill  all  with  too  little  of  that  nourisher  of  health.  To 
prevent  the  soil  ever  having  a  dry  appearance  is  an  object  of 
great  importance  in  the  estimation  of  many :  they,  therefore, 
water  to  such  an  excess  that  the  soil  becomes  sodden,  and 
the  roots  consequently  perish.  Others,  as  we  have  said,  run 
to  the  opposite  extreme,  and  do  not  give  sufficient  to  sustain 
life,  and  this  is  a  more  common  practice  than  that  of  too  much. 
The  best  plan  is,  always  to  allow  the  mould  in  the  pot  to  have 
the  appearance  of  dryness,  but  never  sufficient  to  make  the 
plant  droop  before  a  supply  of  water  is  given,  which  should 
then  be  copious  and  thoroughly  going  to  the  bottom  of  the 
pot ;  but  always  empty  it  out  of  tho  saucer  or  pan  in  which 
the  pot  stands  :  the  water  used  should  always  be  of  about  *lie 
same  temperature  as  that  in  which  the  plants  grow;  avoid 
using  it  fresh  from  the  pump. 

3d.  Being  over-jpotted  in  unsuitable  soil.  This  is  also  a 
crying  evil,  and  large  pots  invariably  given  to  weak  plants, 
with  the  view  of  causing  them  to  grow;  but  such  practitioners 
are  like  the  unskilful  physician  who  gluts  the  weakly  stomach 
of  his  patient,  only  hastening  on  what  they  are  trying  to  pre- 
vent. With  weak  plants  the  very  reverse  should  be  practised, 
giving  small  pots  to  encourage  their  roots  outward :  whereas, 
the  earth  in  a  large  pot  to  a  small  plant,  with  frequent  water- 
ings, soon  becomes  sour  and  stagnated,  and  utterly  obnoxious 
to  the  roots  of  even  the  strongest  growing  plants.  If  the 
directions  and  table  of  soils,  in  this  work,  are  properly  followed 
up,  unsuitable  soils  will  rarely  occur,  especially  when  each 
genus  is  separately  treated. 

In  fact,  we  have  yet  to  be  convinced  why  all  plants,  with 
the  exception  of  a  few  tropical,  and  those  belonging  to  U7'i- 
cece  and  Ejmcridece,  will  not  grow  and  bloom  well  in  rooms 
and  windows.  With  the  following  monthly  instructions, 
and  executing  them  properly,  failure  will  seldom  occur;  but 
where  failure  should  occur,  we  would  call  particular  attention 


January."]  ROOMS — watering,  etc.  291 

to  the  tribo  of  Cactii,  which  are  varied,  beautiful,  and  truly 
interesting,  and  grow  admirably  in  dry  rooms,  with  or  without 
full  exposure  to  the  sun,  and  in  any  temperature  from  45° 
to  85°,  requiring  only  small  portions  of  water  once  a  week  in 
winter,  and  twice  or  thrice  a  week  during  summer:  they 
also  only  require  fresh  soil  once  a  year,  or  even  once  in 
two  years  for  large  plants  will  be  found  sufficient.  The 
variety  now  cultivated  is  truly  astonishing,  and  we  doubt  not 
but  in  a  few  years  large  horticultural  buildings  will  be 
erected  for  their  express  culture;  and,  to  the  inexperienced 
amateur,  there  is  not  a  family  of  plants  that  will  give  more 
satisfaction,  or,  when  properly  studied,  will  afford  greater 
interest  and  amusement. 


JANUARY. 

Plants  that  are  kept  in  rooms  generally  are  such  as  re- 
quire a  medium  temperature,  say  from  40°  to  60°.  Sitting- 
rooms  or  parlours,  about  this  season,  are,  for  the  most  part, 
heated  from  60°  to  70°,  and  very  seldom  has  the  air  any 
admittance  into  these  apartments ;  thus  keeping  the  tempera- 
ture from  10°  to  15°  higher  than  the  nature  of  the  plants 
requires,  and  excluding  that  fresh  air  which  is  requisite  to 
support  a  vegetative  principle.  Therefore,  as  far  as  practi- 
cable, let  the  plants  be  kept  in  a  room  adjoining  to  one  where 
there  is  fire  heat,  and  the  intervening  door  can  be  opened 
when  desirable.  They  will  admit  sometimes  of  being  as  low 
as  38°. 

If  they  be  constantly  kept  where  there  is  fire,  let  the  win- 
dow be  open  some  inches,  once  a  day,  for  a  few  minutes, 
thereby  making  the  air  of  the  apartment  more  congenial,  both 
for  animal  and  vegetable  nature. 


"WATERING,   :.;;'. 

All  that  is  necessary  is  merely  to  keep  the  soil  in  a  moist 
state,  that  is,  do  not  let  it  get  so  dry  that  you  can  divide  the 
particles  of  earth,  nor  so  wet  that  th«y  could  be  beat  to  clay. 


292  ROOMS — OP  INSECTS,  ETC.  [January. 

The  frequency  of  watering  can  be  best  regulated  by  the 
person  doing  it,  as  it  depands  entirely  upon  the  size  of  the 
pot  or  jar  in  proportion  to  the  plant,  whether  it  is  too  small 
or  too  large,  and  the  situation  it  stands  in,  whether  moist  or 
arid.  Never  allow  any  quantity  of  water  to  stand  in  the 
flats  or  saucers.  This  is  too  frequently  practised  with  plants 
in  general.  Such  as  Cdlla  jEtliiopica ,  or  African  Lily,  will 
do  well,  as  water  is  its  element  (like  Sagittdria  in  this 
country) ;  the  Hydrangea  and  Hijacintlis,  when  in  a  growing 
state,  will  do  admirably  under  such  treatment.  Many  plants 
may  do  well  for  some  time,  but  it  beiag  so  contrary  to  their 
nature,  causes  premature  decay;  a  fetid  stagnation  takes  place 
at  the  root,  the  foliage  becomes  yellow,  the  plant  stunted,  and 
death  follows. 


OF   CAMELLIA   JAPONICA. 

In  rooms,  the  buds  of  Camellias  will  be  well  swelled,  and 
on  the  double  white  and  double  variegated  sorts  perhaps  they 
will  be  full-blown.  While  in  that  state  the  temperature 
should  not  be  below  40°;  if  lower,  they  will  not  expand  so 
well,  and  the  expanded  petals  will  soon  become  yellow  and 
decay.  If  they  are  where  there  is  fire  heat,  they  must  have 
plenty  of  air  admitted  to  them  every  favourable  opportunity, 
and  water  freely  given,  or  the  consequence  will  be  that  all  the 
buds  will  turn  dark  brown,  and  fall  off.  It  is  generally  the 
case,  in  the  treatment  of  these  beautiful  plants  in  rooms,  that, 
through  too  much  intended  care,  they  are  entirely  destroyed. 
They  do  not  agree  with  confined  air,  and  to  sponge  frequently 
will  greatly  promote  the  health  of  the  plants  and  add  to  the 
beauty  of  their  foliage,  as  it  prevents  the  attacks  of  the  red 
spider. 

When  the  flowers  are  expanded,  and  droop,  tie  them  up 
neatly,  so  that  the  flower  may  be  shown  to  every  advantage. 

OP   INSECTS,    ETC. 

Insects  of  various  kinds  will  be  appearing  on  your  plants. 
For  method  of  destruction,  see  Hot-house,  January.  It  will 
not  be  agreeable  to  fumigate  the  room  or  rooms,  or  even  to 
Lave  the  smell  of  tobacco  near  the  house  from  this  cause. 


January.']     ROOMS — OP  bulbous  roots,  etc.  ii9S 

Take  a  tub  of  soft  water  (if  the  day  is  frosty  it  had  "better 
be  done  in  the  house),  invert  the  plant,  holding  the  hand,  or 
tying  a  piece  of  cloth,  or  anything  of  the  kind,  over  the  soil 
in  the  pot,  put  all  the  branches  in  the  water,  keeping  the  pot 
in  the  hand,  drawing  it  to  and  fro  a  few  times;  take  it  out 
and  shake  it.  If  any  insects  remain,  take  a  small  fine  brush, 
and  brush  them  ofi",  giving  another  dip,  which  will  clean  them 
for  the  present.  As  soon  as  they  appear  again,  repeat  the  pro- 
cess— for  nothing  that  we  have  found  out,  or  heard  of,  can 
totally  extirpate  them. 


OP  bulbous  roots  in  general. 

If  you  have  retained  any  of  the  Cape  bulhs  from  the  last 
planting,  let  them  be  put  in  in  the  early  part  of  the  month. 
For  method,  see  September.  Those  that  are  growing  must  be 
kept  very  near  the  light,  that  is,  close  to  the  window,  or  they 
will  not  flourish  to  your  satisfaction.  The  fall-flowering 
Oxalis  may  be  kept  on  the  stage,  or  any  other  place,  to  give 
room  to  those  that  are  to  flower. 

Hi/acinths,  Jonquils,  Narcissus,  Tulips,  &c.,  will  keep 
very  well  in  a  room  where  fire  heat  is  constantly  kept,  pro- 
vided that  they  ai'e  close  to  the  window.  A  succession  of 
these,  as  before  observed,  may  beautify  the  drawing-room  from 
February  to  April,  by  having  a  reserved  stock,  in  a  cold  situa- 
tion, and  taking  a  few  of  them  every  week  into  the  warmest 
apartment. 

Wherever  any  of  the  bulbs  are  growing,  and  in  the  inte- 
rior of  the  room,  remove  them  close  to  the  light,  observing 
to  turn  the  pots  or  glasses  frequently  to  prevent  them  from 
growing  to  one  side,  and  giving  them  support  as  soon  as  the 
stems  droop,  or  the  head  becomes  pendent.  The  saucers 
under  the  Hyacinth  and  Narcissus  may  stand  with  water,  and 
observe  to  change  the  water  in  the  glasses  once  or  twice  a 
week. 

Every  one  that  has  any  taste  or  refinement  in  their  floral 
undertakings,  will  delight  in  seeing  the  plants  in  perfection; 
to  have  them  so,  they  must  be  divested  of  every  leaf  that 
has  the  appearance  of  decaying — let  this  always  be  attended 
to. 

25* 


294  EOOMS — CAMELLIAS.  \_Fehruary 


FEBRUARY. 

At  this  season,  the  plants  call  for  the  most  assiduous  atten- 
tion. If  the  stage  has  been  made  according  to  our  descrip- 
tion in  September,  in  very  cold  nights  it  should  be  drawn  to 
the  centre  of  the  room,  or  at  least  withdrawn  from  the  window, 
observing  every  night  to  close  the  window  tight  by  shutters, 
or  some  substitute  equally  as  good.  And,  if  the  temperature 
begins  to  fall  below  40°,  means  should  be  adopted  to  prevent 
it  from  lowering,  either  by  putting  a  fire  in  the  room,  or  open- 
ing any  adjoining  apartment  where  fire  is  constantly  kept. 
This  latter  method  is  the  best,  where  it  is  practicable,  and 
ought  to  be  studied  to  be  made  so. 

Some  very  injudiciously,  in  extreme  frosts,  put  into  the 
room  where  there  is  no  chimney,  among  the  plants,  a  fur- 
nace of  charcoal,  in  order  to  heat  the  room.  The  effect  is, 
that  the  foliage  becomes  dark  brown  and  hardened  like,  and 
many  of  the  plants  die,  the  rest  not  recovering  until  sum- 
mer. 

Watering  may  be  attended  to  according  to  the  directions  of 
January,  only  observing  that  those  that  begin  to  grow  will 
absorb  a  little  more  than  those  that  are  dormant. 

Roses,  especially  the  daily,  if  kept  in  the  house,  will  begin 
to  show  flower.  Use  means  to  kill  the  green-fly  that  may 
attack  them. 

Hyacinths  and  other  bulbs  must  have  regular  attendance 
in  tying  up,  &c.  Take  care  not  to  tie  them  too  tightly,  leav- 
ing sufficiency  of  space  for  the  stem  to  expand.  Give  those 
in  the  glasses  their  necessary  supplies,  and  keep  them  all  near 
the  light.  Never  keep  bulbous  roots,  while  growing,  under 
the  shade  of  any  other  plant. 

Camellias,  with  all  their  varied  beauties,  will,  in  this 
month,  make  a  splendid  show.  x\dhere  to  the  directions 
given  in  the  previous  month,  and  so  that  new  varieties  may 
be  obtained  (see  Green  house,  February,  under  the  head  of 
Camellia^,  which  directions  are  equally  applicable  here. 
When  the  flowers  are  full-blown,  and  kept  in  a  temperature 
between  40°  and  50°,  they  will  be  perfect  for  the  space  of 
four,  five,  aud  frequently  six  weeks,  and  a  good  selection  of 


March.'}  rooms — repotting  295 

healthy  plants  will  continue   to  flower  from  December  till 
April. 

Be  sure  that  there  is  a  little  air  admitted  at  all  favourable 
opportunities. 


MARCH. 

If  the  plants  in  these  situations  have  been  properly  at- 
tended to  by  admitting  air  at  all  favourable  times,  and  when 
the  apartment  was  below  40°,  a  little  fire  heat  applied  to 
counteract  the  cold,  keeping  the  heat  ab3ve  that  degree,  your 
attention  will  be  rewarded  by  the  healthy  appearance  of  your 
plants.  The  weather  by  this  time  has  generally  become 
milder,  so  that  air  may  be  more  freely  admitted,  especi- 
ally from  ten  to  three  o'clock.  They  will  require  a  more 
liberal  supply  of  water,  but  always  avoid  keeping  them  wet. 
Pick  off  all  decayed  leaves,  and  tie  up  any  straggling  shoots  j 
give  the  pots  a  top-dressing  with  fresh  soil,  which  will  greatly 
invigorate  the  plants,  and  will  allow  the  fresh  air  to  act  upon 
the  roots,  which  is  one  of  the  principal  assistants  in  vegeta- 
tion. For  those  that  require  shifting  or  repotting,  see  Green- 
liouse,  March;  the  plants  enumerated  there  equally  apply 
here,  if  they  are  in  the  collection,  with  this  difference, 
that  well-kept  rooms  are  about  two  or  three  weeks  earlier 
than  the  green-house.  After  the  end  of  this  month,  where 
there  is  a  convenience,  plants  will  do  better  in  windows  that 
look  to  the  east,  in  which  the  direct  rays  of  a  hot  sun  are 
prevented  from  falling  upon  them,  and  the  morning  sun  is 
more  congenial  for  plants  in  this  country  than  the  afternoon 
sun.  Where  there  is  any  dust  on  the  leaves  of  any  of  them, 
take  a  sponge  and  water,  and  make  the  whole  clean ;  like- 
wise divest  them  of  all  insects.  The  green-fly  is  perhaps  on 
the  roses ;  if  there  are  no  conveniences  for  fumigating,  wash 
them  off  as  previously  directed.  Where  there  are  only  a 
few  plants,  these  pests  could  be  very  easily  kept  off  by  exa- 
mining the  plants  every  day.  For  the  scaly  insect,  see  Ja- 
nuary.    If  they  have  not  been  cleared  off,  get  it  done  di- 


296  ROOMS — FLOWERING   PLANTS.  iMarch. 

rectly ;   for  by  the   heat  of  the  weather  they  will  increase 
tenfold- 


FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

Hyacinihs,  Tulips,  Narcissus,  Jonquils,  and  Crocus,  will 
be  generally  in  flower.  The  former  require  plenty  of  water, 
and  the  saucers  under  the  pots  should  be  constantly  full, 
until  they  are  done  blooming.  The  others  need  only  be  libe- 
rally supplied  at  the  surface  of  the  pot.  Give  them  neat 
green-painted  rods  to  support  their  flower-stems,  and  keep 
them  all  near  the  light.  The  spring  flowering  Oxalis  will 
not  open  except  it  is  exposed  to  the  full  rays  of  the  sun. 
The  LacJienalia  is  greatly  improved  in  colour  with  exposure 
to  the  sun,  though  when  in  flower  its  beauties  are  preserved 
by  keeping  it  a  little  in  the  shade. 

Priviulas,  or  Primrose,  both  Chinese  and  European,  de- 
light in  an  airy  exposure  ;  but  the  sun  destroys  the  beauty  of 
their  flowers  by  making  the  colours  fade. 

Camellias.  Many  of  them  will  be  in  perfection.  See 
green-house  this  month  for  a  description  of  the  finest  varie- 
ties. Do  not  let  the  sun  shine  upon  the  blooms.  Those 
that  are  done  flowering  will,  in  small  pots,  require  to  be 
repotted. 

The  Hyacinths  that  are  in  glasses  must  be  regularly  sup- 
plied with  water.  The  roots  will  be  very  much  reduced  by 
this  method;  therefore,  when  the  bloom  is  over,  if  possible, 
plant  them  in  the  garden,  or  bury  them  in  pots  of  earth,  to 
ripen  and  strengthen  the  bulbs.  They  cannot  satisfactorily 
be  again  flowered  in  glasses,  and,  properly  they  ought  not  to 
be  allowed  to  bloom  in  the  garden  next  year.  Those  that  are 
done  flowering  in  pots  can  be  set  aside,  and  the  usual  water- 
ings gradually  withdrawn.  Treat  all  other  Dutch  bulbs  in  a 
similar  manner. 


AprH.}  ROOMS — DIRECTIONS,  ETC.  297 


APRIL 

We  remarked  last  month  that,  about  this  season,  where  it 
is  convenient,  an  eastern  window  is  more  congenial  to  plants 
than  a  southern.  The  sun  becomes  too  powerful,  and  the 
mornmg  sun  is  preferable  to  that  of  the  afternoon.  West  is 
also  preferable  to  south.  Some  keep  their  flowering  plants 
in  excellent  order  at  a  north  window.  But  the  weather  is 
so  mild  after  this  that  there  is  no  difl&culty  in  protecting  and 
growing  plants  in  rooms.  They  generally  suiTer  most  from 
want  of  air  and  water :  the  window  must  be  up  a  few  inches, 
or,  altogether,  according  to  the  mildness  of  the  day.  And 
as  plants  are  liable  to  get  covered  with  dust  in  these  apart- 
ments, and  not  so  convenient  to  be  syringed  or  otherwise 
cleaned,  take  the  first  opportunity  of  a  mild  day  to  carry 
them  to  a  shady  situation,  and  syringe  well  with  water  such 
as  are  not  in  flower ;  or,  for  want  of  a  syringe,  take  a 
watering-pot  with  a  rose  upon  it;  allowing  them  to  stand 
until  they  drip,  when  they  may  be  put  into  their  respective 
situations;  or  expose  them  to  a  shower  of  rain,  but  avoid 
allowing  them  to  be  deluged,  which  would  be  very  injurious. 


DIRECTIONS  FOR  PLANTS  BROUGHT  FROM  THE  GREEN- 
HOUSE. 

Any  plants  that  are  brought  from  the  green-house  during 
the  spring  months  ought  to  be  as  little  exposed  to  the  direct 
rays  of  the  sun  as  possible.  Keep  them  in  airy  situations, 
with  plenty  of  light,  giving  frequent  and  liberal  supplies  of 
water.  Plants  may  be  often  observed  through  our  city  du- 
ring this  month  fully  exposed  in  the  outside  of  a  south  win- 
dow, with  the  blaze  of  a  mid-day  sun  upon  them,  and  these, 
too,  just  come  from  the  temperate  and  clamp  atmosphei'e  of 
a  well-regulated  green-house.  Being  thus  placed  in  an  arid 
situation,  scorched  between  the  glass  and  the  sun,  whose 
heat  is  too  powerful  for  them  to  withstand,  the  transition  is 
so  sudden,  that,  however  great  their  beauties  may  have  ap- 
peared, they  in  a  few  days  become  brown,   the  flowers  tar- 


298  ROOMS — BRINGINa  PLANTS   OUT,  ETC.  [^April. 

nish  or  decay,  and  the  failure  is  generally  attributed  to  indi- 
viduals not  at  all  concerned.  From  this  and  similar  causes 
many  have  drawn  the  unjust  conclusion,  viz.,  that  "plants 
from  green-houses  are  of  too  delicate  a  nature  to  be  exposed 
in  rooms  or  windows  at  this  early  season."  But  every  year 
gives  more  and  more  proof  to  the  contrary.  There  are  ladies 
in  Philadelphia,  and  those  not  a  few,  whose  rooms  and  win- 
dows at  this  period  vie  with  the  finest  of  our  green-houses, 
with  respect  to  the  health,  beauty  and  order  of  their  plants, 
and  we  might  almost  say  in  variety.  Some  of  them  have  got 
above  twenty  kinds  of  Camellias  in  their  collections,  which 
afford  a  continual  beauty  through  the  winter,  with  many  other 
desirable  and  equally  valuable  plants.  The  plants  generally 
are  now  growing  pretty  freely,  and  are  not  so  liable  to  suffer 
from  liberal  supplies  of  water,  observing  never  to  give  it  until 
the  soil  in  the  pot  is  inclining  to  become  dry,  and  administer 
ing  it  in  the  evenings  or  mornings. 


FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

Our  directions  last  month  under  this  head  will  equally  ap- 
ply now.  The  Chinese  roses  and  geraniums  that  are  now 
coming  plentifully  into  flower  should  be  kept  near  the  light, 
and  in  airy  exposures,  to  brighten  their  colours,  otherwise 
they  will  be  very  pale  and  sickly. 


BRINGING   PLANTS   OUT    OP   THE    CELLAR,    ETC. 

All  or  most  of  the  plants  that  have  been  in  the  cellar 
during  winter,  such  as  Pomegranates,  Lagerstroiniias,  Hy- 
drangeas, Oleanders,  Sweet-hay,  &c.,  may  be  brought  out  to 
the  open  air  at  any  time  about  the  middle  of  the  month.  If 
any  of  them  stand  in  need  of  larger  pots  or  tubs,  have  them 
turned  out,~the  balls  reduced,  and  put  them  in  others  a  little 
larger;  or,  where  convenient,  they  may  be  planted  in  the 
ground.  Be  sure  to  keep  the  Hydrangeas  in  shady  situa- 
tions. It  will  not  be  advisable  to  expose  entirely  the  orange 
and  lemon  trees  until  the  end  of  this  or  first  of  next  month. 
Where  there  is  any  scab  or  foulness  of  any  kind  collected 


MaifJ]  ROOxMS — OBSERVATIONS.  29** 

on  the  foliage  or  wood,  have  it  cleaued  directly  before  the 
heat  increases  the  one,  and  to  get  clear  of  the  disagreeable 
appearance  of  the  other. 


MAY. 


All  the  plants  will  be  able  to  withstand  exposure,  in  the 
general  state  of  the  seasons,  about  the  tenth  of  the  month. 
Begin  about  the  first  to  take  out  the  hardiest,  such  as  Lau- 
resiinus,  Hydrangeas,  Hoses,  Primroses,  Polyanthus,  &c.,  and 
thus  allow  the  others  to  stand  more  free  and  become  hardened 
to  exposure.  The  reason  that  plants  are  so  often  seen  brown, 
stunted,  and  almost  half  dead  during  summer,  is  from  the 
exposed  situation  they  are  placed  in,  with  the  direct  sun  upon 
them,  and  too  frequently  from  being  so  sparingly  watered. 
There  are  no  shrubby  plants  cultivated  in  pots  that  are  bene- 
fited by  full  exposure  to  the  hot  sun  from  this  period  to  Sep- 
tember. A  northeastern  aspect  is  the  best  for  every  plant 
except  Cactus,  Aloe,  Mesemhryanthemum,  and  such  as  go 
under  the  name  of  succulents,  which  may  be  fully  exposed  to 
the  sun,  but  not  to  long  and  continued  rains.  Where  there 
are  only  a  few  plants,  they  should  be  conveniently  placed,  to 
allow  water  from  a  pot  with  a  rose  mouth  to  be  poured  fre- 
quently over  them,  which  is  the  best  substitute  for  the  syringe. 
Daphne,  Goronilla,  Fuchsia,  Camellia,  Primrose,  and  Poly- 
anthus, do  not  agree  with  bright  sun  through  the  summer. 
There  has  been  a  general  question  what  is  the  cause  of  the 
death  of  so  many  of  the  Daphne  odora.  It  may  be  observed 
that  the  first  place  that  shows  symptoms  of  decay  is  at  the 
surface  of  the  soil,  and  this  takes  place  a  few  weeks  before 
there  are  evident  effects  of  it.  The  cause  is  from  the  effect  of 
beat  or  sun  and  water,  acting  on  the  stem  at  least.  If  the 
soil  is  drawn  in  the  form  of  a  cone  round  the  stem,  to  throw 
off  the  water  to  the  edges  of  the  pot,  that  the  stem  may  be  dry 
above  the  roots,  mortification  does  not  take  place,  neither  do 
they  die  prematurely  when  thus  treated.  For  further  remarks, 
Bee  Green-house  this  month. 


300  ROOMS — REPOTTING.  [June,  J%ily. 


CAPE   BULBS. 

Any  of  these  that  are  done  flowering,  such  as  Ixia,  Oxalis, 
Lachencdia,  &c.,  as  soon  as  the  foliage  begins  to  decay,  tvirn 
the  pots  on  their  sides,  which  will  ripen  the  roots,  and,  when 
perfectly  dry,  clear  them  from  the  soil,  wrap  them  up  in  paper, 
with  their  names  attached,  and  put  them  carefully  aside  until 
the  time  of  planting. 


REPOTTING. 

Where  it  is  required,  repot  Cactus,  Aloe,  Mesemhryanthe- 
mums,  and  all  other  succulents,  with  any  of  the  Amaryllis 
that  are  required  to  be  kept  in  pots ;  also.  Cape  Jasmines.  For 
description  of  the  above,  see  Hot-house  and  Green-house  of 
this  month,  under  the  same  head. 


JUNE  AND  JULY. 

The  only  attention  requisite  to  these  plants  is  in  giving 
water,  keeping  them  from  being  much  exposed  to  either  sun 
or  high  winds,  and  preventing  the  attack  of  insects.  Water 
must  be  regularly  given  every  evening,  when  there  has  not 
been  rain  during  the  day.  Where  they  are  in  a  growing 
state,  they  are  not  liable  at  this  season  of  the  year  to  sufter 
from  too  much  water,  except  in  a  few  instances,  such  as  the 
Lemon-scented  Geranium,  and  those  kinds  that  are  tuberous- 
rooted,  as  Arclens,  Bicdlor,  TrisiUm,  &c.,  which  should  have 
moderate  supplies. 

All  the  plants  ought  to  be  turned  round  every  few  weeks 
to  prevent  them  from  growing  to  one  side,  by  the  one  being 
more  dark  than  the  other,  and  keep  those  of  a  straggling 
growth  tied  neatly  to  rods.  Wherever  insects  of  any  descrip- 
tion appear,  wash  them  off  directly.  Give  regular  syringings 
or  sprinkling's  from  the  rose  of  a  watering-pot.    Be  particularly 


AugUSt.'l  ROOMS — OBSERVATIONS.  301 

attentive  in  this  respect  to  the  Camillias,  which  will  keep  the 
foliage  in  a  healthy  state. 

If  the  foliage  of  LiUum  longijibrum,  or  Japonicuvi,  has 
decayed,  do  not  water  them  while  dormant,  as  they  are  easilj 
injured  by  such  treatment. 


AUGUST. 

For  the  kinds  of  plants  that  require'  potting,  we  refer  to 
the  Green-house  for  this  month.  All  that  are  therein  specified 
are  peculiarly  adapted  for  rooms,  and  we  would  call  attention 
to  the  genus  Cyclamen,  which  has  not  been  generally  intro- 
duced into  the  collections  of  our  ladies ;  as,  from  the  character 
and  beauty  of  the  flowers,  they  are  very  attracting  and  highly 
deserving  of  culture.  Attend  to  the  Geraniums  as  there 
directed,  and  be  particular  in  having  them  cut  down  and 
repotted,  as  there  fully  described.  The  Oranges,  Lemons, 
Oleanders,  and  Myrtles  that  are  kept  in  cellars  or  rooms, 
should  have  the  same  attention  in  this  month  as  directed  in 
the  green-house,  which  to  repeat  here  would  be  occupying 
space  unnecessarily. 

Reseda  odorata,  or  Mignonette,  is  one  of  the  most  fragrant 
annuals.  To  have  it  in  .perfection  during  winter,  the  seed 
should  be  sown  about  the  end  of  this  month,  or  the  beginning 
of  next,  into  pots  of  fine  light  earth,  and  sprinkled  with  water 
frequently.  When  it  comes  up,  the  plants  must  be  thinned 
out  or  transplanted  :  the  former  method  is  preferable.  Keep 
them  from  frost  during  winter,  and  always  near  the  light. 

This  will  equally  apply  to  the  green-house. 

Cape  bulbs,  such  as  Sparaxis,  Ixia,  Oxalis,  and  LacJie- 
nalia,  should  now  be  planted.  For  method  and  sorts,  -see 
Green-house  in  August  and  September. 


26 


302  ROOMS — GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS.    [^September 


SEPTEMBER. 

Where  there  is  a  quantity  of  plants  to  be  kept  in  these 
apartments,  they  should  be  disposed  of  to  the  best  effect,  and, 
at  the  same  time,  in  such  a  manner  as  will  be  most  effectual 
to  their  preservation.  A  stage  of  some  description  is  better 
than  a  table,  and,  of  whatever  shape  or  form,  it  ought  to  be 
on  castors,  that  it  may,  in  severe  nights  of  frost,  be  drawn  fo 
the  centre  of  the  room.  The  shape  may  be  either  concave,  a 
half  circle,  or  one  square  side.  The  bottom  step  or  table 
should  be  six  inches  wide  and  five  inches  deep,  keeping  each 
successive  step  one  inch  farther  apart,  to  the  desired  height, 
which  may  be  about  six  feet.  Allowing  the  first  step  to  be 
about  two  feet  from  the  floor,  there  will  be  five  or  six  steps, 
which  will  hold  about  fifty  pots  of  a  common  size.  A  stage 
in  the  form  of  half  a  circle  will  hold  more,  look  the  hand- 
somest, and  be  most  convenient.  We  have  seen  them  circular, 
and,  when  filled,  appeared  like  a  pyramid.  These  do  very 
well,  but  they  must  be  turned  every  day,  or  the  plants  will 
not  grow  regularly.  With  this  attention,  it  is  decidedly  the 
best.     Green  is  the  most  suitable  colour  to  paint  them. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

The  directions  given  for  the  green-house  this  month  are 
equally  applicable  here.  The  late  blooming  ChrysantJicmums 
are  particularly  adapted  for  rooms,  the  colours  are  so  varied : 
and  many  of  them  are  dwarf-growing,  and  even  neat  in  their 
habit,  especially  the  new  hybrid  sorts. 


OCTOBER. 

Have  a  stage  or  stages,  as  described  last  month,  in  the 
situations  where  they  are  intended  to  remain  all  winter; 
place  the  plants  on  them  from  the  first  to  the  eighth  of  this 


October.']  ROOMS — OF   BULBOUS   ROOTS.  303 

month,  beginning  with  the  tallest  on  the  top,  graduating  to 
the  bottom.  It  is  desirable  to  place  flats  or  saucers  under 
each  to  prevent  the  water  from  falling  to  the  floor,  and  the 
water  should  be  emptied  from  the  flats  of  all  except  those  of 
Cdlla  and  Hydrangea.  The  latter  while  dormant  should  be 
kept  only  a  little  moist. 

Previous  to  taking  in  the  plants,  they  should  be  divested 
of  every  decayed  leaf,  insects,  and  all  contracted  dust,  having 
their  shoots  neatly  tied  up,  and  every  one  in  correct  order. 
Every  leaf  of  the  Camellias  ought  to  be  sponged,  and  the 
plants  placed  in  an  airy  exposure,  and  from  this  period  till 
they  begin  to  grow  have  them  exposed  to  the  sun.  If  the 
flower-buds  are  too  crowded,  picking  ofi"  the  weakest  will 
preserve  the  remainder  in  greater  perfection,  and  prevent 
them  in  part  from  falling  ofi".  Do  not  on  any  occasion  keep 
them  in  a  room  where  there  is  much  fluctuating  fire  heat,  as 
the  fiower-buds  will  not  expand,  except  they  are  kept  in  an 
even  temperature.  See  Green-house,  this  month,  more  largely 
on  this  subject. 


OF   BULBOUS   ROOTS. 

Those  that  are  intended  to  flower  in  glasses  should  be 
placed  therein  this  month,  and  kept  in  a  cool  room.  After 
the  fibres  begin  to  push  a  few  shoots,  the  glasses  may  be 
taken  to  the  warmest  apartments  to  cause  them  to  flower 
early.  Bring  a  few  from  the  coldest  to  the  warmest  every 
two  weeks,  and  thus  a  succession  of  bloom  may  be  kept  up 
from  January  to  March.  Hyacinths  and  other  Dutch  bulbs 
should  now  be  planted  in  pots.  See  Green-house  for  full  di- 
rections. 

Cape  Bulbs. — All  that  are  unplanted  and  off"ering  to  grow 
should  be  put  in  pots  forthwith.  Ample  directions  are  given 
for  the  planting  of  these  in  the  two  preceding  months. 

Repot  Riibus  rosce/olius,  or  Bramble-rose.  They  should 
have  pots  one  size  larger  than  those  they  are  now  in.  To 
make  them  flower  profusely,  when  done  blooming  in  May, 
divide  them  and  put  only  a  few  stems  in  one  pot,  and  repot 
them  in  this  month,  as  above  directed. 


304  ROOMS — GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS     [November. 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

Any  herbaceous  plants  in  the  collection  ought  to  be  set 
aside,  and  the  water  in  part  withheld.  When  the  stems  and 
foliage  are  decayed,  the  plants  may  be  put  in  a  cool  cellar, 
where  they  will  not  be  in  danger  of  frost,  and  be  permitted  to 
remain  there  until  they  begin  to  grow ;  then  bring  them  to 
the  light,  and  treat  as  directed  for  these  kinds  of  plants. 
Deciduous  clants  may  be  treated  in  a  similar  manner. 


NOVEMBER. 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  remarks  and  instructions  that  are  given  last  month  for 
these  aparlmbnts  will  equally  answer  here.  Where  the  Dutca 
bulbs  were  omitted  to  be  placed  in  glasses,  they  ought  not  to 
be  longer  delayed. 

Oxalis. — The  autumn-flowering  species  will  now  be  in 
bloom,  and  must  be  kept  in  the  sun  to  make  them  expand 
freely.  The  neglect  of  this  is  the  principal  reason  that  these 
do  not  flower  perfectly  in  rooms. 

Camellias. — These  plants,  where  there  is  a  collection^, 
flower  from  this  period  till  April ;  and  the  general  desire  to 
be  fully  aT(|uainted  with  the  method  of  their  culture  has  in- 
duced us  to  be  liberal  in  our  observations  on  every  point  and 
period  through  the  various  stages  of  their  growth  and  flower- 
ing. We  will  here  only  remind  the  inquirer  that  a  pure  air 
and  plenty  of  water,  giving  the  plants  frequent  sprinklings, 
are  the  present  necessities,  which  only  are  conducive  to  their 
perfection. 

Attend  to  the  turning  of  Geraniums  and  other  rapidly 
growing  plants,  that  all  sides  of  them  may  have  an  equal 
share  of  light. 


December.}  ROOMS.  305 


DECEMBER. 

As  the  trying  season  is  now  approaching  for  all  plants  that 
are  kept  in  roDnis,  especially  those  that  are  desired  to  have  a 
flourishing  aspect  through  the  winter,  a  few  general  instruc- 
tions (although  they  may  have  been  previously  advanced) 
will  perhaps  be  desirable  to  all  those  who  are  engaged  in  this 
interesting  occupation,  which  forms  a  luxury  through  the 
retired  hours  of  a  winter  season,  and  with  very  little  attention 
many  are  the  beauties  of  vegetative  nature  that  will  be 
developed  to  the  gratification  of  every  reflecting  mind.  The 
following  is  a  routine  of  every -day  culture : — 

Do  not  at  any  time  admit  air  (except  for  a  few  moments) 
while  the  thermometer  is  below  35°,  exposed  in  the  shade. 

In  time  of  very  severe  frosts  the  plants  ought  to  be  with- 
drawn from  the  window  to  the  centre  of  the  room  during 
night. 

Never  give  water  until  the  soil  in  the  pots  is  inclining  to 
become  dry,  except  for  Hyacinths  and  other  Dutch  bulbs 
that  are  in  a  growing  state,  which  must  be  liberally  sup- 
plied. 

Destroy  all  insects  as  soon  as  they  appear :  for  the  means 
of  destruction,  see  next  month. 

Give  a  little  air  every  favourable  opportunity  (that  is,  when 
the  thermometer  is  above  35°,  exposed  in  the  shade),  by 
putting  up  the  window  one,  two,  or  three  inches,  according  to 
the  state  of  the  weather. 

Clean  the  foliage  with  sponge  and  water  frequently,  to 
remove  all  dust,  &c.  The  water  thus  used  must  not  exceed 
80°,  but  60°  is  preferable. 

Turn  the  plants  frequently  to  prevent  them  growing  to  one 
side. 

Eoses  of  the  daily  sort  may  be  obtained  early  by  having 
them  in  a  warm  room  that  has  a  south  window,  and  as  soon 
as  they  begin  to  grow  admit  air  in  small  portions  about  noon 
every  day  that  the  sun  has  any  eflPect.  Such  must  be  well 
supplied  with  water. 

Bulbs  in  glasses  must  be  supplied  with  fresh  water  at  least 
>>nce  a  week,  in  which  period  tiey  will  inhale  all  the  nutri- 
26* 


306  ROOMS — CAMELLIAS.  [December. 

tive  gas  that  they  derive  from  that  element,  if  they  are  in  a 
growing  state. 

Camellias,  when  in  bud  and  flower,  should  never  be 
allowed  to  become  the  least  dry,  neither  confined  from  fresh 
air.  The  eflFects  would  be  that  the  buds  would  become  stint- 
ed, dry,  and  drop  oflf.  Therefore,  to  have  these  in  perfec- 
tion, attend  strictly  to  watering.  Give  frequent  airings,  and 
wash  the  leaves  occasionally  with  water.  Never  keep  them 
in  a  room  where  there  is  a  strong  coal  fire.  The  most  of 
Camellias  will  bear  3°  of  frost  without  the  smallest  injury, 
so  that  they  are  easier  kept  than  Geraniums^  except  when 
they  are  in  bloom.  In  that  state  frost  will  destroy  the 
flowers.  The  air  of  a  close  cellar  is  also  destructive  to  the 
buds. 

The  reason  that  the  Camellia  does  not  bloom  perfectly  in 
parlours  or  other  heated  rooms  is  owing  to  their  being  too 
warm  and  arid,  destroying  the  vital  vegetative  principle  of 
the  plant,  and  it  soon  perishes.  There  is  one  way  in  which 
these  plants  can  be  kept  perfect  even  in  such  dry  places  when 
the  recess  in  the  windows  is  of  sufficient  depth  as  to  allow 
plants  to  stand  within  it,  enclosing  them  from  the  apartment 
by  another  sash :  in  such  a  situation,  water  could  be  placed, 
which  would  keep  the  atmosphere  between  the  windows  per- 
fectly moist.  The  verdure  would  be  rich  and  the  flowers 
brilliant ;  and  they  would  be  completely  protected  from  dust 
— the  whole  would  have  a  very  pleasing  effect.  Attention 
will  be  requisite  to  give  them  air  during  the  mild  part  of  the 
day.  There  are  several  Camellias  not  proper  for  room  cul- 
ture; those  which  have  dry  brown  scaly  buds  are  to  be 
avoided,  such  as  anemoneflora,  egertonia,  cleviana,  fulgens, 
atroruhens ;  also  avoid  woodsii,  cliandlerii  and  dorsetia, 
as  being  difficult  of  expanding — they  are  so  very  full 
of  petals.  Those  most  proper  for  room  culture  are  double 
white,  eclipse,  fanhriata,  ivibricata,  malijlora,  pceonifiora, 
Landrethii,  Sacco,  Sarah  Frost,  Washington,  Madonna 
punctata,  speciosa,  variegata  and  incarnata.  Such  will  be 
found  to  bloom  freely  and  fully  :  many  others  might  be  added, 
but  these  will  give  an  idea  of  those  sorts  that  agree  best  with 
room  culture.  We  cannot  conclude  our  subject  without 
giving  our  readers  some  hints  on  the  effect  of  plants  in 
household  apartments.  It  has  been  proved  that  the  leaves 
of  plants  abforb  carbonic  acid  gas  by  their  upper  surfaces, 


December  J  ROOMS — camellias.  307 

and  give  out  oxygen  by  their  under  ones,  thereby  tending  to 
purify  the  air,  in  as  far  as  animal  life  is  concerned,  because 
carbonic  acid  gas  is  pernicious  to  animals,  and  oxygen  is  what 
that  life  requires.  It  is  in  the  light,  however,  that  these 
operations  are  carried  on,  for  in  the  dark,  plants  give  out  car- 
bonic. It  does  not  appear  that  any  of  the  scentless  products 
given  out  by  plants  are  injurious  to  human  beings,  because 
those  who  live  among  accumulated  plants  are  not  less  healthy 
than  others,  but  rather  enjoy  more  uninterrupted  health,  which, 
of  itself,  is  a  sufficient  recommendation  for  all  to  spend  their 
leisure  moments  in  so  healthful  and  rational  an  employment. 


THE 

AMERICAN  FLOWER-GARDEN 
DIRECTORY. 


ON  THE  CULTURE  OF  THE  GRAPE. 

We  are  not  aware  of  any  vegetable  production  that  is  mora 
conducive  to  the  luxurious  gratifications  and  pleasures  of  man 
than  the  vine.  In  fact,  there  is  no  fruit  so  delicious,  appli- 
cable to  so  many  purposes,  nor  any  that  is  so  agreeable  to  all 
palates  :  from  the  remotest  ages  the  vine  has  been  celebrated 
as  the  emblem  of  plenty  and  the  ''symbol  of  happiness." 
Its  quickness  of  growth,  its  great  fertility,  and  astonishing 
vegetative  powers,  with  its  unknown  age,  has  rendered  it  one 
of  the  most  fruitful  blessings  bestowed  by  Providence ;  a 
blessing  which  almost  every  inhabitant  of  this  Union  may 
enjoy,  and  we  see  no  occasion  to  doubt  but  that  thousands  of 
acres  of  our  fertile  uplands  will  be  converted  into  vineyards, 
producing  the  finest  fruits  and  richest  wines  in  the  world.  In- 
deed, with  very  little  care  and  attention,  our  unsightly  post 
and  rail  fences  may  be  converted  into  grape  espaliers,  and  fine 
wines  produced  at  as  little  cost  as  spruce  beer;  every  square 
foot  of  surface  might  be  made  to  produce  a  pound  of  grapes, 
and  every  post,  at  least,  round  our  gardens  afford  ample  space 
for  one  vine,  which  would  yearly  produce  from  three  to  nine 
pounds  of  fruit,  fit  either  for  the  table  or  the  wine-press. 
But  the  small  space  allotted  in  this  volume  will  not  allow  us 
to  dilate  on  this  fruitful  subject.  Our  object  is  to  give  a  few 
26  *  (309) 


310  ON   SOIL. 

hints  on  the  aspect,  soil,  propagation,  and  culture  of  the  vine, 
BO  as  to  produce  an  extra  crop  in  the  smallest  given  space. 
We  will  then  consider,  first,  the 


ASPECT. 

As  our  climate  gives  us  plenty  of  heat  for  the  maturation 
of  the  vine,  we  have,  therefore,  more  scope  in  aspect  than  any 
other  country.  However,  the  most  preferable  is  one  from 
south  to  east,  or  west.  Shelter  from  high  and  often-recurring 
winds  is  a  prime  consideration.  Our  western  and  southwestern 
gusts  of  wind  are  very  destructive  to  the  vine  when  it  is  in 
the  full  vigour  of  growth ;  it  dissipates  all  the  accumulated 
secretions  of  the  foliage,  and  closes  its  pores,  thereby  totally 
deranging  the  vital  functions  of  the  plant,  which  (although  in 
the  height  of  the  growing  season)  has  been  known  to  be  sus- 
pended for  weeks.  There  are  frequently  many  local  circum- 
stances aflFecting  the  shelter  of  walls  and  other  buildings, 
which,  where  they  exist,  must  determine  the  best  aspect  for 
training  the  vine.  But  if  there  be  no  such  local  circumstances, 
we  have  no  hesitation  in  stating  that  an  eastern  aspect  is  the 
best.  On  such  the  sun  shines  with  full  force  during  the 
morning,  at  which  time  there  is  something  highly  favourable 
to  vegetation  in  his  rays,  which  seems  to  stimulate  the  ener- 
gies of  plants  in  an  extraordinary  degree,  and  to  excite  them 
to  a  vigorous  exertion  of  all  the  functions  appertaining  to 
vegetable  life. 


ON   SOIL. 

The  soil  most  congenial  to  the  growth  of  the  vine  and  the 
maturity  of  its  fruit  is  a  rich,  sandy,  turfy  loam  about  two 
feet  deep,  on  a  dry,  gravelly,  rocky,  or  sandy  bottom ;  the 
roots  run  with  avidity  into  such  sub-soils,  lying  secure  from 
the  excess  of  moisture,  which  always  accumulates  in  clayey 
or  compact  soils.  The  excrementitious  matter  discharged 
from  the  roots  of  a  vine  is  very  great,  and  if  this  be  given 
out  in  close  and  retentive  soils,  they  c^uickly  become  delete- 
rious, and  a  languid  and  diseased  vegetation  ensues ;  this  ia 
the  great  reason  that  so  many  failures  exist.    It  may  hence  be 


ON   SOIL.  811 

inferred  that  vines  will  not  tlirive  in  a  cold  wet  soil,  nor 
composed  of  stiff  clay,  which  is  easily  accounted  for  from 
the  fact  that  they  delight  only  in  soils  easily  rendered  dry 
by  evaporation,  and  free  from  excess  of  moisture,  and  are 
always  more  warm,  which  is  so  genial  to  the  growth  of  this 
plant.  To  elucidate  this,  we  can  record  an  instance  that 
occurred  a  few  years  ago  in  this  vicinity :  A  vine  border 
was  dug  out  to  the  depth  of  three  feet  and  a  half,  in  a  cold 
retentive  clay  soil;  twenty  inches  of  stone,  brick,  and  lime- 
rubbish  were  put  in  the  bottom,  and  the  remainder  filled 
up  with  good  compost  for  the  vines,  in  which  they  were 
planted,  and  grew  well  for  two  years,  and  produced  some 
fruit;  finally,  they  languished,  and  almost  died,  and  it  was 
at  once  pronounced  that  fine  foreign  grapes  would  not  do  in 
this  country.  But,  on  examining  the  roots  of  the  plants, 
it  was  discovered  that  they  were  rotten  from  the  excess  of 
moisture  which  was  retained  in  this  pit;  for  though  it  had 
been  partially  filled  with  a  dry  bottom,  no  provision  was 
made  to  carry  off  the  water,  therefore  it  proved  to  be  a  com- 
plete water-pail :  a  drain  was  necessarily  dug  to  the  full 
depth  to  carry  off  the  water,  and  the  soil  generally  renewed ; 
the  vines  were  cut  to  within  two  feet  of  the  ground ;  they 
now  (four  years  after  the  operation)  grow  luxuriantly,  and 
produce  abundant  crops  every  year.  Therefore,  if  the  sub- 
soil is  not  naturally  dry,  it  must  be  made  so  by  draining, 
which  is  the  basis  of  the  work,  filling  up  the  bottom  with  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  dry  materials,  such  as  stones  broken 
moderately  small,  brickbats,  lumps  of  lime-rubbish,  oyster- 
shells,  &c.,  which  will  keep  them  dry  and  warm  by  the  free 
admission  of  air  and  solar  heat,  and  to  admit  of  heavy  rains 
passing  quickly  through  without  being  retained  sufficiently 
long  to  saturate  the  roots  or  injure  the  tender  extremities ; 
having  thus  furnished  a  dry  bottom,  cover  to  the  desired 
height  with  turf  taken  about  three  inches  deep  from  a  rich 
pasture ;  and  to  every  four  loads  of  turf  add  one  load  of 
thoroughly  decomposed  manure,  at  least  one  year  old,  inter- 
spersing it  with  bones  of  any  description,  oyster-shells,  or 
any  other  enriching  material  that  undergoes  slow  decomposi- 
tion :  the  whole  must  be  repeatedly  turned,  and  allowed  to 
settle  before  the  vines  are  planted.  Extreme  caution  has  to 
be  exercised  in  administering  bone-dust,  slaughter-house  offal, 
and  other  over-rich  manures,  especially  if  the  vines  are  to  be 


312  ON   SOIL. 

planted  the  same  or  even  the  following  season.  Soils  glutted 
with  instant  enriching  manures  are  destructive  to  the  vine. 
The  surfece  of  the  border  should  have  a  gentle  descent  from 
the  wall  or  fence  :  never  crop  your  vine  borders,  and  be 
careful  of  treading  much  upon  them ;  a  board  trellis  should 
be  laid  for  walking  upon  when  the  operation  of  pruning, 
tying,  &c.,  takes  place,  which  is  almost  daily  during  summer. 
The  border,  after  it  has  been  once  made,  ought  never  to  be 
stirred,  except  at  intervals,  to  keep  it  from  becoming  hard 
and  impervious  to  heat  or  moisture ;  and,  when  necessary,  it 
should  only  be  forked  up  about  two  inches  deep,  at  all  times 
taking  care  not  to  injure  the  roots. 

In  dry  sandy  soils  all  that  is  wanted  for  the  full  perfection 
of  the  grape  is  to  take  out  about  one  foot  of  the  poorest  of 
the  ground,  and  replace  it  by  turf  from  a  meadow,  adding 
thereto  a  portion  of  well-decomposed  manure.  Sweepings 
from  turnpike  roads,  where  there  is  much  travel,  is  an  ex- 
cellent article  for  incorporating  with  such  soils ;  it  is  of  an 
enriching  quality,  its  component  parts  consisting  chiefly  of 
sand,  pulverized  stones,  dung,  and  urine,  which  is  of  a  more 
lasting  nature  than  can  be  found  in  almost  any  other  com- 
post ;  it  ought  to  be  thoroughly  incorporated  with  the  'other 
soil  soon  after  it  has  been  collected  from  the  road,  as  all  its 
valuable  qualities  will  then  be  entirely  preserved.  The  fore- 
going remarks  in  the  preparation  of  soil,  if  followed,  will 
insure  the  luxuriant  growth  of  vines  and  the  yearly  produc- 
tion of  fine  crops  of  grapes,  and,  when  circumstances  will 
permit,  should  be  practically  adopted  at  all  times.  But  it 
must  not  be  supposed  that  vines  will  not  grow  and  mature 
fine  crops  unless  thus  encouraged  in  extra  prepared  soils. 
Such  is  not  the  fact,  for  vines  will  do  well  in  any  soil  that 
is  not  adhesive  and  has  a  dry  bottom ;  but  they  grow  finer, 
and  bear  greater  crops  of  fruit  within  a  given  space  of  time, 
when  planted  in  ground  that  has  been  properly  prepared  for 
their  reception.  For  instance,  if  two  cuttings  be  planted, 
the  one  in  a  soil  fully  prepared,  and  the  other  in  that  of  the 
tatter  description,  it  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  three  years 
that  the  vine  in  the  former  soil  is  double  the  size  of  the 
latter ;  consequently,  the  strong  vine  will  produce  two-thirds 
more  fruit,  and  of  a  better  quality,  than  the  weak  vine. 
This  diflference  occurring  every  year,  and  even  greater  as 
the   age  increases,  is   sufiicient  to  amply  repay  for  all  the 


ON   THE   PROPAGATION   OF   VINES.  313 

trouble  and  expense  incurred  in  making  a  suitable  compost. 
However,  the  disadvantage  of  a  poor  soil  may  in  part  be  com- 
pensated for  by  planting  the  vines  closer  together.  If,  indeed, 
vines  could  not  be  planted  with  any  prospect  of  success,  except 
in  borders  purposely  prepared,  only  a  very  small  quantity  of 
grapes  would  be  grown,  compared  with  what  this  rich  and 
fertile  country  is  capable  of  producing. 

Many  instances  occur  in  towns  and  cities,  around  dwellings 
and  other  descriptions  of  brick  and  stone  erections,  which  pre- 
sent very  favourable  situations  for  the  training  of  vines,  but 
which,  nevertheless,  are  so  situated  as  to  admit  of  little  or  no 
soil  being  placed  at  their  roots.  In  such  cases,  if  an  opening 
can  be  made,  twenty  inches  deep,  and  as  many  wide,  it  will 
be  sufficient  to  admit  of  the  roots  of  a  young  vine,  which  will 
support  it  till  its  rambling  roots  have  found  their  way  under 
the  pavement,  or  along  the  walls  to  some  more  distant  nourish- 
ment; if  a  wider  space  can  be  made,  it  will,  of  course,  be 
better  :  loosen  the  sides  and  bottom  as  much  as  possible,  and 
fill  up  with  compost,  as  previously  directed,  and  therein  plant 
the  vine.  The  surface  covering,  whether  of  brick  or  stone, 
may  be  replaced  after  the  soil  has  fully  settled,  leaving  a  hole 
about  six  inches  square  to  allow  the  stem  of  the  plant  to  swell 
in  its  future  growth.  The  roots  soon  find  their  way  under 
the  paving  or  along  the  foundation  walls,  and,  indeed,  in  every 
direction,  in  search  after  food,  and  will  extract  nourishment 
from  sources  apparently  barren.  The  fact  is,  that  the  roots 
of  the  vine  possess  an  astonishing  power  of  adapting  them- 
selves to  any  situation  in  which  they  may  be  planted,  pro- 
vided it  be  a  dry  one. 


ON    THE   PROPAGATION    OF   VINES. 

Vines  are  generally  propagated  in  the  open  ground  by 
cuttings  and  layers. 

By  cuttings.  At  the  general  prunings,  provide  cuttings  of 
the  preceding  summer's  growth ;  choose  such  as  are  of  a 
medium  size,  well-ripened,  and  short-jointed,  cut  them  into 
lengths  of  about  eighteen  inches  each,  leaving  at  the  ends 
not  less  than  two  inches  of  wood  to  protect  the  eye ;  place 
these  temporary  cuttings  about  three-fourths  of  their  length 
27 


314  ON    THE   PROPAGATION    OF   VINES. 

in  the  ground,  in  a  warm  and  sheltered  situation,  where  thej 
can  be  protected  with  a  little  litter  from  the  severity  of  frost 
during  winter.  The  best  time  for  planting  them  is  about  the 
25th  of  March  in  this  latitude,  earlier  or  later  if  more  south 
or  north :  if  intended  to  plant  the  cutting  where  the  plant  is 
to  remain,  which  is  the  most  preferable  method,  prepare  them 
in  the  following  manner  : 

By  cutting  them  into  lengths  of  tree-buds  each,  and  letting 
the  uppermost  bud  have  an  inch  of  blank  wood  remaining 
to  protect  it,  the  extremity  of  which  must  be  cut  in  a  slant- 
ing manner,  and  the  slanting  side  opposite  to  the  buds,  to 
throw  off  the  moisture  :  the  end  that  is  to  be  inserted  in  the 
ground  cut  transversely  just  under  the  bud,  and  the  cutting 
will  be  complete :  the  cuttings  being  thus  prepared,  plant 
them  forthwith;  if  intended  to  remain,  place  two  in  each 
space,  inserting  them  in  the  ground  so  as  the  second  eye  may 
be  about  half  an  inch  under  the  soil,  which  must  be  pressed 
close,  when  it  v^ill,  most  frequently,  be  found  that  the  eye 
thus  placed  will  grow  first  and  strongest,  when  the  upper 
eye  can  be  displaced ;  if  both  the  cuttings  grow  cut  off  the 
weakest.  During  May,  June,  and  July,  care  must  be  taken 
to  keep  the  cuttings  constantly  moist ;  soap-suds  or  drainings 
of  the  dung-hill  can  be  used  for  the  purpose  once  a  week, 
but  not  oftener,  using  rain  or  river  water  for  general  water- 
ings. If  the  soil  should  sink  down,  and  leave  the  buds 
higher  than  above-mentioned,  more  must  be  added  to  keep 
them  as  directed.  To  prevent  the  ground  from  becoming 
hard  by  repeated  waterings,  and  also  to  retain  a  regular 
moisture  about  the  cutting,  cover  the  soil  with  shells,  litter, 
or  any  such  substitute,  which  will  greatly  promote  the  vege- 
tating powers  of  the  scion.  As  soon  as  they  have  made 
shoots  six  inches  long,  water  may  be  more  sparingly  applied, 
and  the  shoots  must  be  carefully  tied  to  some  support,  and 
their  tendrils  and  lateral  shoots  should  be  cut  off,  the  latter 
to  within  one  eye  of  the  main  stem  :  about  the  first  of  No- 
vember, cut  every  plant  down  to  within  two  eyes  of  the 
cutting.  But  if  the  plants  are  intended  to  be  removed, 
they  should  be  planted  in  such  a  situation  as  to  be  shaded 
from  the  mid-day  sun  ;  from  four  to  six  hours  a  day  of  sun 
is  quite  sufficient.  A  spot  sheltered  from  severe  winds  is  also 
most  desirable.     When  transplanted,  be  careful  of  their  small 


ON   THE   PROPAGATION   OF   VINES.  315 

roots,  and   choose   a  mild   day  (about  the   first   of  April,  or 
earlier,  is  a  good  season),  for  the  operation. 

By  layers.  This  is  a  very  expeditious  mode  of  growiug 
young  vines,  provided  the  shoots  be  laid  in  pots;  but  vines 
raised  from  shoots  laid  down  in  the  open  ground  should  be 
avoided  as  the  worst  of  all  plants  :  they  make  but  few  roots, 
and,  when  removed,  these  nearly  all  die  off  from  being  cut 
at  the  extremities  in  lifting,  and  the  second  year  of  such  a 
plant  is  not  much  in  advance  of  a  good  cutting.  To  grow 
vines  by  laying  the  shoots  in  pots,  the  following  directions, 
if  followed,  will  insure  success :  For  each  intended  layer 
procure  a  seven-inch  pot,  or  a  small  box  of  a  similar,  or  even 
larger  size ;  prepare  some  fine  rich  sandy  mould,  containing 
a  great  portion  of  decayed  leaves,  then  take  the  shoot  and 
run  it  through  the  hole  in  the  bottom  of  the  pot  till  you 
come  to  the  last  three  buds;  close  up  the  aperture  round 
the  shoot  with  moss,  cotton,  or  any  elastic  substance,  and 
then  fill  up  the  pot  or  box  to  within  half  an  inch  of  the  top 
■with  the  prepared  soil,  having  previously  secured  it  in  a  safe 
and  level  position :  and,  where  it  can  be  conveniently  wa- 
tered during  the  season ;  this  must  be  attended  to  at  least 
once  a  day.-  When  there  is  not  time  for  this  attendance,  the 
pot  or  box  should  be  plunged  under  gi-ound,  and  the  layer 
placed  thereon,  and  firmly  secured,  so  that  its  own  force  will 
not  raise  it  up;  then  cover  up  the  shoots  at  least  three  inches, 
leaving  space  for  occasionally  holding  some  liquid  nourish- 
ment. Shoots  may  be  thus  laid  any  time  from  the  first  of 
March  to  the  first  of  April.  It  must  be  clearly  understood 
that  the  success  of  the  operation  depends  entirely  on  keeping 
the  mould  in  the  pots  moist,  treating  it  as  directed  for  water- 
ing-cuttings. The  plant  may  be  separated  from  the  vine  about 
the  first  of  September,  and  instantly  planted  into  its  desired 
locality,  or  put  into  a  larger  vessel,  and  there  remain  till 
planting  season ;  the  following  year  displace  the  tendrils  and 
laterals  as  directed  for  cuttings,  and  in  pruning  cut  it  down 
to  within  three  eyes  of  the  ground.  We  may  safely  assert 
that  it  is  a  species  of  strangling  to  a  vine  in  the  first  three 
years  of  its  growth  to  be  sparing  of  the  knife,  allowing,  at 
once,  small  weak  shoots  to  be  laid  in  to  form  in  a  day  (com- 
paratively) a  plant  that  is  expected  to  withstand  the  vicissi- 
tude of  ages,  and  produce  yearly  its  quantum  of  fruit ;  but 
more  of  this  when  treating  of  pruning. 


816  ERECTIONS,  ETC. 

By  eyes.  This  is  our  most  favourite  method  of  propagating 
plants  of  this  most  valuable  fruit.  Early  in  the  month  of 
March  we  cut  the  shoots  into  eyes,  leaving  about  an  inch  of 
■wood  on  each  extremity,  and  plant  those  with  their  eyes  up- 
permost into  pots,  and  place  them  in  a  hot  or  cold  frame,  pre- 
pared for  the  purpose ;  plants  from  a  single  eye  may  easily  be 
made  to  grow  twelve  feet  in  one  season,  by  constant  repotting 
and  nourishing.  The  plants  thus  growing  are  decidedly  the 
best  rooted,  forming  more  capillary  fibres;  consequently  more 
nutritious  support  to  the  vine  is  absorbed  in  the  same  given 
period  of  time ;  they  also  form  shorter  joints,  and  are  capable 
of  producing  more  fruit  on  a  plant  of  the  same  size.  We 
are  aware  that  some  start  at  this  idea,  and  say  that  in  a  few 
years  it  is  not  observed.  It  reminds  us  very  much  of  the  son 
of  the  "  Isle  of  the  Ocean,"  when  asked  how  old  his  brother 
was,  replied  he  was  so  much,  but  in  two  years  he  would  be 
''  the  same  age."  Nevertheless,  this  method  of  propagating 
may  not  be  generally  accessible,  the  former  two  plans  being 
at  the  command  of  every  one. 


ON   ERECTIONS   FOR   THE    SUPPORT   AND   PROTECTION   OP 
THE    VINE   IN    OUT-DOOR   CULTURE. 

To  limit  the  proper  height  for  training  grapes  would  be  a 
preposterous  idea,  for  they  can  be  perfectly  cultivated  in  this 
country  on  any  height  from  four  to  forty  feet :  indeed,  on  a 
wall  of  the  former,  we  have  thirty  sorts  of  grapes  growing 
luxuriantly,  and  fruiting  in  the  most  profuse  manner.  Some 
of  the  vines,  four  years  old,  which  have  produced  from  six  to 
nine  bunches  of  fine  fruit,  which  only  occupy,  after  pruning, 
a  space  of  about  eighteen  inches  square. 

Walh  of  brick  are  decidedly  the  most  preferable  for  the 
perfection  of  the  grape ;  and  if  they  be  built  for  the  express 
purpose,  the  most  judicious  distribution  of  materials  would 
be  in  the  erection  of  several  low  walls,  not  more  than  seven 
feet  high.  For  the  purpose  of  pruning,  training,  &c.,  walla 
of  this  height  are  far  preferable  to  those  of  a  greater;  and  if 
built  to  run  directly  south  or  north,  the  entire  surface  of 
both  sides  may  be  judiciously  covered.  The  eastern  aspect 
would  render  a  sure  and  abundant  early  crop;  those  on  the 
western  side  would  not  be  so  productive,  and  more  liable  to 


ERECTIONS,  ETC.  31/ 

bo  aflFected  by  :ur  frequent  severe  westerly  gales.  When  in 
bloom,  or  wlieF.  the  fruit  is  ripening,  would  be  the  period 
that  they  would  be  most  liable  to  suffer.  However,  as  they 
would  frequently  produce  a  full  crop,  an  astonishing  quantity 
of  fruit  may  be  produced  on  a  very  small  space  of  ground 
by  erecting  walls  of  this  description,  built  parallel  to,  and 
not  far  distant  from,  each  other — say,  at  the  nearest,  from 
twenty  to  twenty-five  feet.  If  from  local  causes  bricks  can- 
not be  had,  a  good  substitute  will  be  found  in  strong  ranges 
of  plank  fencing  made  of  well-seasoned  wood,  and  closely 
jointed,  having  three  or  four  gooa  coats  of  oil  paint.  Grapes 
raised  in  this  way  will  be  nowise  inferior  to  those  produced 
on  walls :  indeed,  we  would  prefer  such  to  any  wall  of  stone 
that  could  be  erected,  it  being  of  a  more  even  surface  and 
more  convenient  for  training,  and  not  giving  harbour  for  in- 
Bects,  &c.  A  very  great  advantage  will  be  derived  by  having 
a  coping  on  the  wall  or  fence,  projecting  eight  or  ten  inches, 
turning  on  a  pivot,  so  as  it  can  be  used  in  time  of  heavy 
dashing  rains  while  the  vines  are  in  bloom,  or  when  the  fruit 
is  ripening,  which  are  the  only  periods  that  it  will  be  of  ac- 
tual service,  for  all  dews  and  light  rains  are  indispensable  to 
the  health  and  maturity  of  the  vine ;  and  if  the  fence  is 
north  and  south,  the  light  and  heat  excluded  by  it  would  be 
a  serious  drawback  on  the  ripening  of  the  fruit.  We  say, 
therefore,  if  it  is  not  on  a  pivot,  the  plants  will  be  better 
without  it,  unless  it  have  only  one  or  two  inches  of  a  pro- 
jection, the  dripping  from  the  coping  will  fall  on  the  foliage, 
and  that  will  carry  it  entirely  free  from  '  the  fruit ;  but  we 
urge  the  great  utility  and  even  necessity  for  movable  coping. 
Espaliers  or  trellises  are  in  common  use  for  the  training  of 
the  vine,  also  arbours ;  the  former  suit  admirably  in  small 
gardens  where  it  is  not  desirable  to  go  to  expense,  but  the 
latter  should  be  avoided  as  the  worst  possible  construction 
for  growing  grapes;  the  interior  is  always  filled  with  a  cur- 
rent of  cold  air  highly  prejudicial  to  the  maturity  of  fine 
fruits;  but  for  coarse  grapes  it  is  a  matter  of  little  conse- 
quence, as  they  are  at  best  only  fit  for  producing  shade.  Up- 
right trellises  in  city  gardens  may  be  made  eight  feet  high, 
with  the  spars  not  more  than  six  inches  apart;  and  these 
should  be  made  of  the  very  best  materials,  and  supported 
every  three  feet  by  uprights.  Strong  wire  makes  an  elegant 
substitute  for  the  cross  slats,  which  if  kept  well  painted, 
27* 


318  ON   TRANSPLANTING    THE    VINE. 

will  not  suffer  by  corrosion.  We  have  seen  an  elegant  new 
erection  by  a  tasteful  grape  amateur,  and  think  it  will  answer 
a  very  good  purpose;  it  consists  of  an  upright  double  trellis, 
about  one  foot  wide  at  the  bottom,  tapering  to  one  bar  at  the 
top,  running  north  and  south,  which  is  about  eight  feet  high ; 
from  which,  on  each  side,  there  is  fixed  a  small  projecting 
sash,  at  an  angle  of  about  48°,  which  keeps  the  vines  per- 
fectly secure  from  deluging  rains,  and  even  concentrates  more 
solar  heat  for  their  maturity.  The  whole  has  a  light  and  ra- 
ther imposing  effect ;  its  practical  utility  remains  to  be  tried, 
as  it  is  but  lately  finished ;  there  is  no  apparent  doubt  but  it 
will  prove  very  beneficial  in  its  results. 


ON   TRANSPLANTING   THE   VINE. 

The  best  period  of  the  year  for  transplanting  is  during  the 
months  of  October  or  March.  The  longer  its  removal  is 
postponed  after  these  periods  the  more  injurious  will  be  the 
effects  of  transplanting.  Admitting  the  ground  has  been  pre- 
pared according  to  directions  formerly  given,  dig  a  hole  about 
twenty  inches  deep,  and  as  wide  as  will  admit  of  the  root.^, 
if  possible,  to  their  full  extension,  without  crippling  in  any 
manner.  If  any  of  them  are  injured  in  lifting,  they  must  be 
cut  back  to  soundness ;  fill  up  the  hole  to  within  twelve 
inches  of  the  top,  set  the  vine  in  the  hole  thus  made,  with 
its  stem  about  six  inches  from  the  wall  or  fence,  and  let  the 
plant  be  cut  even  with  the  ground;  or,  where  there  is  plenty 
of  space,  and  the  plant  two  or  more  feet  long,  plant  the  root 
at  a  distance  from  where  the  stem  of  the  vine  is  desired,  and 
then  disbud  the  young  shoot,  except  the  uppermost  three;  lay 
it  down  its  full  length,  bringing  the  terminal  buds  to  where 
the  plant  is  wanted ;  by  this  method  the  whole  extent  of  the 
shoot  will  make  roots,  and  be  of  infinite  service  for  the  far- 
ther growth  and  support  of  the  plant.  When  the  eyes  thus 
left  grow,  displace  the  weakest  two,  leaving  the  strongest  for 
the  permanent  plants.  We  have  seen  old  vines  laid  down  in 
this  manner  for  the  distance  of  thirty  feet,  and,  in  two  years, 
formed  plants  of  the  most  astonishing  vigour  and  production. 
If  the  vine  has  been  grown  in  a  pot,  shake  the  ball  of  earth 
from  the  roots  among  which  place,  with  care,  new  and  fresh 
6oil,  taking  thr  plant  aod  giving  it  several  shakes  to  settle  it 


ON    PRUNING.  319 

well  about  the  roots,  which  will  encourage  the  plant  to  put 
forth  new  roots  for  its  farther  support.  Transplanting  should 
always  be  done  in  dry  and  mild  weather,  and  when  the  soil 
is  mellow  and  free.  During  the  removal  the  roots  must  be 
carefully  kept  from  exposure;  the  atmosphere  would  dry  up 
their  tender  extremities,  and  cause  much  injury;  and,  when 
vines  are  brought  from  a  distance,  this  precaution  ought  to  be 
carefully  put  in  practice.  Its  first  season's  growth  should  be 
confined  to  one  stem  only,  carefully  cutting  off  all  lateral  shoots 
within  one  eye  of  the  main  shoot,  as  directed  on  the  subject 
of  propagation. 


ON   PRUNING. 

The  first  year's  growth  of  a  transplanted  vine  should,  in 
November,  be  cut  down  within  four  inches  of  the  ground,  and, 
on  the  appearance,  cover  the  plant  with  about  three  inches  of 
stable  litter,  allowing  it  to  remain  in  this  state  till  the  middle 
of  March.  The  plant  will  now  push  strongly,  and  two  of  the 
best  shoots  should  be  trained  their  full  length  during  summer, 
carefully  nipping  off  tendrils  and  laterals,  and  at  all  times, 
securing  the  shoots  from  the  effects  of  high  winds.  If  walls 
are  used  for  training,  there  should  be  slats  fixed  about  one 
inch  from  the  wall,  to  tie  the  shoots  thereto,  using  soft  mate- 
rial for  the  purpose  of  tying;  if  the  vines  should  show  fruit, 
cut  it  off. 

Having  the  previous  season  retained  two  well-grown  shoots 
from  near  the  surface  of  the  ground,  you  will  now,  in  Novem- 
ber, tie  these  in  a  horizontal  position,  about  six  or  eight 
inches  above  the  surface,  cutting  them  at  nearly  two  feet  dis- 
tance from  the  main  stem.  In  the  following  month,  February, 
when  the  weather  is  mild,  displace  every  alternate  bud,  ob- 
serving that  it  is  those  on  the  under  side  of  the  shoot.  If 
everything  has  been  attended  to  in  soil,  planting,  and  pruning 
that  we  have  advanced,  there  may  be  expected  to  arise  four 
shoots  from  each  of  these  horizontal  branches,  which,  if  any 
show  fruit,  it  must  be  cut  off;  these  young  shoots  must  be 
trained  upright  during  summer,  being  careful  to  displace  every 
other  as  they  appear.  Some  approve  of  training  these  young 
upright  shoots  in  a  serpentine  form,  which,  in  our  opinion  at 
present,  i«  of  little  consequence ;  but  top  them  about  the  end 


320  ON   PRUNING. 

of  August,  or  earlier,  if  they  are  to  the  desired  height.  In 
November  of  the  third  summer's  growth,  you  may  now  prune 
for  fruit  as  above  stated.  Your  horizontal  branches  will  have 
fully  matured  four  luxuriant  upright  shoots.  Cut  two  of 
these  alternately  within  one  eye  of  the  horizontal  shoot, 
which  will  produce  wood  to  be  fruited  the  following  year,  and 
lay  in  the  other  two,  in  a  serpentine  form  for  fruit,  to  about 
three  feet  in  length.  The  vine  has  now  assumed  the  form 
in  which  it  is  permanently  to  remain,  and  it  may  be  con- 
sidered as  the  foundation  of  a  system  of  alternately  fruiting 
four  shoots,  and  training  four  out  their  full  length  every  year, 
which  method  may  be  continued  every  year  without  any 
alteration.  After  several  years,  if  it  is  thought  proper,  the 
arms  may  be  lengthened  by  the  training  in  of  a  shoot  at 
their  extremities,  and  managing  it  in  the  same  manner  as 
when  the  arms  were  first  formed ;  but  it  is  not  advisable  that 
the  branches  should  be  far  extended,  which  would  ultimately 
prove  injurious  to  those  branches  arising  from  the  bosom  of 
the  vine.  This  system  of  pruning  and  training  the  vine  we 
do  not  advocate  as  something  neio  or  original,  but  one  which 
we  have  seen  in  full  and  successful  practice  twenty  years  ago. 
By  procuring  well-grown  plants  in  pots,  one  year  may  bo 
gained  on  the  above  calculation ;  for  you  can  prune,  and  at 
once  take  two  shoots  to  prepare  for  laying  the  foundation  of 
your  future  plant;  but  more  than  this  cannot  be  accomplished. 
We  are  aware  that  many  of  our  readers  are  already  startled 
at  this  tedious  method  of  fruiting  vines,  and  have  almost  con 
eluded  to  have  fruit  the  Jirsi  year  or  none.  Such  are  too 
frequently  the  conclusions  of  many ;  but,  as  sure  as  they 
practise  it,  they  as  invariably  meet  with  a  failure,  and  that 
in  a  very  few  years.  The  practice  of  training  vines  to  get 
them  up  to  the  top  of  arbours,  &c.,  cannot  be  done  with  fine 
vines  without  risk.  As  we  have  already  said,  it  may  and  will 
do  with  our  native  kinds,  but  no  other.  The  general  system 
of  spur-pruning  has  many  advantages  in  in-door  culture,  but 
does  not  at  all  agree  with  growing  grapes  in  the  open  air. 
Our  limits  do  not  admit  of  giving  in  detail  our  reasons  for  so 
saying,  but  those  who  doubt  may  go  on  in  the  old  way,  giving 
the  system  herein  advised  a  trial  with  one  plant  only,  and  we 
guarantee  that  in  less  than  five  years  their  old  vines  are 
headed  down  to  the  stump,  to  begin  on  a  system  that  yearly 
renews  itself,  and  can  be  perpetuated  for  ages  on  the  same 


ON    MANURE.  321 


vine,  which  may  be  said  to  ''  renew  its  youth  every  year 
In  fact  it  recommends  itself   by    simplicity— by  the    small 
number  of  wounds  annually  made— by  the  clear  and  hand- 
some appearance  of  the  vine,  and  by  the  great  ease  with  which 
it  is  managed— its  occupying  but  a  small  space.     We  there- 
fore conclude  this  subject  with  the  following  few  general  rules: 
Use  a  knife  of  the  best  description,  and  let  it  be  per  cctiy 
sharp:  cut  always  upward  and  in  a  sloping  direction  ;  always 
leave  about  an  inch  of  blank  wood  beyond  a  terminal  bud, 
and  let  the  cut  be  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  bud.    In  pruning 
out  an  old  branch,  cut  it  even  with  the  parent  limb,  that  the 
wound  may  quickly  heal.     Never  prune  in  frosty  weather 
nor  in  the  months  of  March,  April,  or  May.     Let  the  general 
fall  pruninc^  take  place  about  the  end  of  October  or  tirst  ot 
November;  after  which,  stir  up  the  ground,  and  let  a  good 
coatincr  of  fresh  stable  manure  be  laid  thereon,  which  will  both 
protect  the  roots  that  are  near  the  surface,  and  also  enrich 
the  soil :  but  if  stable  manure  cannot  be  procured,  leaves  trom 
the  woods  are  an  excellent  substitute,  which,  after  decompo- 
sition, form  a  vegetable  manure  very  enrichi  g,  and  one_  very 
concrenial  to  the  vine;  this  being  done,  nothing  more  is  re- 
quired till  the  first   of  March,  when  the  roughest  must  be 
removed,  and  the  decomposed  particles  forked  into  the  borders. 
It  may  be  proper  to  state  that  in  more  northern  latitudes  and 
greater  altitudes  than  Philadelphia,  it  will  be  necessary  to  lay 
down  the  vines  after  pruning  during  winter,  and  give  them 
a  licrht  covering  of  litter,  straw,  leaves,  or  mats,  which  will 
com'pletely  protect  them  from  the  severest  frost;  although  it 
is  not  altogether  the  severity  that  destroys,  but  the  alternate 
frost  and  sun  acting  on  the  plant  every  twenty-four  hours, 
which   overcomes  the  vitality  of  the  plant;  and  another  tell 
destroyer  is  when  we  have  a  mild   February  and   a  severe 
J*Iarch.     When  such  occurs,  which  is  but  rarely,  the  vines 
must  all  be  protected  by  mats  while  there  is  danger. 

ox   MANURE. 

This  subject  has  been  very  recently  indulged  in  to  a  de- 
structive extent.  We  could  record  instances  of  soils  strongly 
impregnated  with  very  enriching  manures  being  almost  death 
to  the  plant;  very  rich  soils  are  adhesivs  and  retentive  ot 


822  DESCRIPTIVE    CATALOaUEj  ETC. 

moisture,  which  is  destruction  to  the  roots  of  the  vine.  The 
celebrated  Brassin,  conductor  of  the  royal  vinery  of  France, 
used  to  practise  enriching  his  vine  borders  with  exciting  ma- 
nures: he  now  finds  that  cleansing  of  ditches,  grass-turf,  and 
rjad  sweepings,  mixed  well  together  and  allowed  to  ferment 
for  a  year,  is  far  preferable.  He  now  uses  it  entirely  as  an 
annual  dressing;  but,  in  our  opinion,  this  cannot  be  con- 
tinued for  any  length  of  time  unless  the  border  is  also  yearly 
reduced ;  consequently,  manures  that  are  of  slow  decomposi- 
tion are  preferable,  and  nothing  that  we  are  acquainted  with 
excels  bones  of  every  description ;  but  these  are  not  always 
at  hand  in  quantity.  When  to  be  obtained  they  should  al- 
ways be  put  to  a  good  purpose;  an  annual  winter  top-dressing 
of  manure  of  a  few  inches,  and  the  roughest  removed  in  the 
spring,  digging  in  the  remainder  not  over  four  inches  deep, 
which  will  encourage  the  roots  to  the  surface,  where  they 
will  be  greatly  benefited  by  solar  heat  and  air.  Liquid 
manures  are  highly  valuable  where  immediate  effect  is  re- 
quired :  they  contain  all  the  soluble  parts  of  manure  in  such 
a  state  as  to  admit  of  being  taken  up  by  the  plant  as  soon  as 
applied.  These  are  urine,  which  may  be  used  pure  any  time 
from  the  first  of  November  to  February,  when  the  ground  is 
not  frozen ;  but  if  used  at  any  other  period,  must  be  diluted 
with  its  equal  quantity  of  water.  Drainings  of  manure 
heaps  and  soap-suds  can  be  used  at  all  times,  but  not  too  fre- 
quently. Soot  dissolved  in  water,  in  the  proportion  of  one  to 
twelve,  is  an  exceedingly  strong  manure,  and  very  stimulating. 
Guano  dissolved  in  water  at  the  rate  of  20  lbs.  to  100  gallons 
is  a  first  rate  manure.  Where  great  growth  is  required,  they 
may  be  safely  watered  once  a  week,  during  the  growing  sea- 
son, with  the  enriched  liquid ;  but  all  these  exciting  manures 
must  be  cautiously  applied,  as  excess  is  very  injurious  to  the 
fertility  of  the  vine ;  and  although  one  of  the  grossest  /eeders 
in  nature,  even  possessing  the  appetite  of  a  glutton,  it  can  be 
satiated  and  destroyed. 


DESCRIPTIVE    CATALOGUE    OF    GRAPES    MOST    SUITABLE   FOR 
OPEN   AIR   CULTURE. 

Golden  Chasselas,  Chasselas  de  Fontainhleau,  U Arhoyce, 
or  Royal  Muscadine.     Bunches  medium  size,  with  very  small 


"r 


DESCRIPTIVE    CATALOGUE,    ETC.  323 

shoulders,  berries  of  a  moderate  size,  round  when  ripe,  turn- 
ing to  a  bright  amber  colour,  having  a  thin  skin,  a  soft  flesh, 
and  a  rich  juice.  This  is  an  exceedingly  fine  grape,  a  free 
bearer,  is  very  hardy,  and  ripens  early;  it  may  be  considered 
one  of  the  best  white  grapes  for  out-door  culture. 

White  Chasselas  or  White  Muscadine.  Bunches  medium 
size,  shouldered,  and  well  formed.  Berries  round  and  of  a 
good  size,  juicy,  rich,  and  well  flavoured;  it  ripens  about  the 
middle  or  towards  the  end  of  September,  and  is  an  excellent 
hardy  grape,  and  fully  equal  to  the  former.  We  consider  this 
grape  the  same  as  the  Malmsey  Muscadine. 

White  Sweet  Water  (esLvlj).  Bunches  rather  large;  ber- 
ries of  a  good  size,  round,  of  a  white  colour,  and,  when  per- 
fectly ripe,  especially  when  exposed,  they  are  shaded  with  a 
light  russet  colour;  they  grow  close  on  the  bunches,  and 
when  desired  to  have  large  berries,  the  bunches  must  be  well 
thinned,  the  juice  very  saccharine  and  luscious.  We  consider 
this  the  very  best  white  grape  for  walls;  it  is  an  excellent 
bearer,  makes  good  short-jointed  wood,  and  is  very  early. 
We  have  had  it  perfectly  ripe  on  a  south  wall  the  first  day  of 
September. 

White  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Jerusalem  Muscat,  Malaga. 
Bunches  large,  but  short  and  well  shouldered ;  berries  large, 
jval,  and,  when  perfectly  ripe  (which  will  not  be  till  October), 
ire  of  a  pale  amber  colour,  often  without  stones,  skin  rather 
thick,  the  flesh  firm,  juice  not  plentiful,  but  of  a  sweet,  highly 
musky,  delicious  and  peculiar  flavour.  It  is  an  extra  fine 
grape,  and  requires  a  warm  situation.  It  does  not  bear  so 
freely  as  the  former  two. 

White  Frontignac  or  Frontignan.  Bunches  long  and  nar- 
row, without  shoulders,  rather  closely  set,  of  a  dull  white  or 
greenish-yellow,  and  covered  with  a  powdering  bloom;  juice 
very  sugary  and  rich,  with  a  delightful  spicy  flavour.  It 
ripens  in  September,  and  delights  in  a  dry  soil. 

White  Hamburg,  White  Lisbon,  White  Portugal.  Bunches 
very  large,  short  and  loosely  formed;  berries  large  and  oval, 
skin  thick,  of  a  greenish -white  colour,  flesh  firm,  juice  sweet, 
slightly  mixed  with  acid;  one  of  our  latest  white  grapes. 
The  plant  is  of  a  strong  robust  habit,  and  an  excellent  bearer. 

Austi'ian  Muscat.  Bunches  large  and  tapering :  berries 
round,  of   a  russet-white   colour,  skin   thin,  juice  rich  and 


324  DESCRIPTIVK    CATALOGUE,    ETC. 

musky,  and  of  excellent  flavour.  It  ripens  about  the  second 
week  of  September,  and  is  an  excellent  bearer.  , 

Blach  Frontignac,  Violet  Frontignac,  Muscat  Noir. 
Bunches  small  and  short :  berries  round,  and  grow  close  in 
bunches ;  skin  black,  covered  with  a  fine  light  bloom,  flesh 
tender  and  juicy,  of  a  rich  vinous  spicy  flavour. 

Black  Hamburg.  Bunches  tolerably  large,  with  short 
compact  shoulders,  tapering  to  a  point ;  berries  large,  of  an 
oval  form,  skin  rather  thick,  very  nearly  black,  and  covered 
with  a  blue  bloom ;  flesh  tender,  sweet,  and  of  a  rich  vinous 
flavour;  ripens  about  the  first  of  October,  but  will  hang  on  the 
vine  till  frost.  This  is,  in  every  respect,  one  of  the  finest 
black  grapes  that  can  be  grown  in  the  open  air :  it  is  also 
a  constant  bearer.  The  leaves  in  the  fall  are  mottled  with 
green  and  yellow. 

Blach  Prince.  Bunches  rather  long,  and  generally  shoul- 
dered :  berries  oval,  and  of  a  good  size,  skin  rather  thick, 
of  a  dark  purple,  and  covered  with  a  thick  bloom  :  flesh  white, 
sweet,  juicy,  and  well  flavoured :  ripe  about  the  first  of  Oc- 
tober. 

Black  Lomhardy,  West^s  St.  Peter's.  Bunches  long  and 
well  shouldered  :  berries  large,  round,  and  of  a  regular  size ; 
skin  thin  and  very  black,  juice  plentiful,  and  of  a  very  high 
flavour;  is  perfectly  ripe  about  the  middle  of  October,  and 
will  keep  on  the  vines  till  frost. 

Black  Muscadine^  Black  Chasselas,  Violet  Chasselas. 
Bunches  about  the  size  and  shape  of  the  Golden  Chasselas : 
berries  perfectly  round,  and  covered  with  a  blue  bloom  :  flesh 
juicy,  and  of  a  very  rich  flavour;  ripens  about  the  first  of 
October. 

Frankendale.  Bunches  large,  with  small  shoulders,  and 
rather  longer  than  the  Black  Hamburg :  berries  round  and 
closely  set ;  skin  deep  purple,  approaching  to  black,  covered 
with  a  thin  blue  bloom ;  flesh  tender,  sweet,  rich,  and  of  a 
luscious  flavour :  it  is  a  great  bearer,  and  fully  ripe  about  the 
end  of  September  or  first  of  October. 

Grizzly  Frontignac^  Muscat  Gris.  Bunches  of  a  medium 
size,  with  small  shoulders :  berries  round,  of  a  light  brown 
colour,  intermixed  with  red  and  yellow ;  the  juice  is  exceed- 
ingly rich,  and  possessing  a  high  spicy  flavour :  it  ripens  about 
the  middle  of  September. 


DESCRIPTIVE   CATALOGUE,    ETC.  325 

Hansteretto.  Bunches  large  and  well  formed  :  berries  also 
large  and  perfectly  round,  of  a  jet  black  colour  when  perfectly 
ripe;  flesh  rather  juicy,  and  of  a  rich  flavour;  leaves  deeply 
lobed,  and  a  little  downy  underneath.  An  excellent  hardy 
grape,  but  inferior  in  quality  to  the  Black  Hamburg :  ripe 
about  the  first  of  October. 


LIST  OF  HARDY  EVERGREEN  TREES  AND 
SHRUBS. 

The  heights  given  are  approximations  to  what  is  supposed  the 
plants  will  attain  in  this  country  to  serve  as  some  ^uide  in 
planting  them  out. 


Abies  excelsa,  Norway  spruce 

alba,  white  spruce 

Canadensis,  hemlock  spruce 

Dougliisii,  Douglas  spruce 

nigra,  black  spruce    . 

rubra,  red  spruce 

Smithiana 

Araucaria  imbriciita,  Chili  pine 
Aiicuba  Japdaica,  Japan  gold  tree 
Berberis  dulcis,  sweet  berberry 

Darwini 

Buxus  arborescens,  tree  box    . 

argentea,  silver  edged  do. 

durea,  golden        do.     do. 

latifolia,  broad  leaved  do. 

Cedrus  Deodara,  Deodar  cedar 

Libani,  cedar  of  Lebanon 

Cotoneaster  microphylla,  small  leaved 

thymifolia,  Thyme  leaved 

Crataegus  Pyracdntha,  Pyracanth 
Cryptomeria  japdnica,  Japan  weeping  cedar 
Cupressus  torulosa,  twisted  Cyprus  . 

—  Australis,  Australian  Cyprus 

pyramidalis,  pyramidal  do. 

funebris,  funebral  Cyprus    . 

Eleiignus  argentea,  silver  tree 
Eriobotrya  Japdnica,  loquat 


FEET 

100 

50 

100 

150 

80 

50 

50 

100 

5 

4 

10 

20 

15 

15 

15 

100 

100 

4 

3 

10 

50 

15 

20 

25 

25 

12 

10 


(327) 


828 


LIST   OF   HARDY   EVERGREEN   TREES,  ETC. 


Escallonia  rubra,  red  flowered 
Eudnyiuus  Japdnica,  Japan  spindle  tree 

argentea,  silver  edged  do. 

fimbriatus,  fringed        do.  . 

Hedera  helix  creeper,  Irish  ivy 
Ilex  oph,ca,  American  holly 

aquifolium,  European  do. 

variegatum,  variegated  do. 

Jasminum  fruticans,  dwarf  Jasmine 

pubigerum,  Japan  do. 

Juniperus  Chinensis,  Chinese  juniper 

excelsa,  giant  : .  do. 

phoenicea,  Phoenician  do. 

suecica,  Swedish        do. 

Sabina,  savin  do. 

Virginiana,  Virginian  do. 

K4lmia  latif61ia,  broad-leaved  sheep  laurel 
Magnolia  grandiflora,  tree  laurel 
Mahonia  fascicularis,  evergreen  berberry 

aquifolia,  holly  leaved      do. 

Mespilus  pyracantha,  Pyi-acanth 
Picea  balsiimea,  balm  of  Grilead  fir 


pectinata,  silver 


do. 
do. 


Pinus  Austriaca,  Austrian 

excelsa,  Bhotan  pine 

Laricio,  Corsican  do. 

strobus,  white  or  Weymouth  pine 

sylvestris,  Scotch  do. 

inops,  Jersey  do. 

Prinos  glaber,  evergreen  prinos 
Rhododendron  Catawbiensie,  Carolina  rosebay 

maximum,  mountain  laurel 

ponticum,  European  rosebay 

Rosmarinus  officinalis,  rosemary 
Spartium  jiinceum,  broom 
Taxodium  sempervirens,  California  spruce 
Taxus  baccata,  English  yew    . 

■ adpressa,  appressed 

Canadensis,  Canadian  yew 

Chinensis,  Chinese       do. 

Hibernica.  Irish  do. 


LIST   OF   HARDY    EVERGREEN    IREES,  ETC 


329 


•Taxus  pyramidMe,  pyramidal 

Dovastoniana,  weeping  yew 

Thuja  filiformis,  weeping  arborvitse     . 

occidentalis,  American  do. 

orientalis,  Chinese  do. 

plicata,  fan  leaved  do. 

pyramidalis,pyramidaledo. 

Torr^ya  taxifolia,  Florida  yew  tree  . 
Ulex  Europea,  European  furze  or  whin 
Yiicca  filamentosa,  Adam's  needle  . 

gloriosa,  do.  do. 

recurvifdlia  recurved    do. 


FEET 

20 

4 

4 

20 

15 

10 

15 

30 

10 

3 

4 

6 


.i 


28* 


330 


LIST  01  SELECT  HARDY  DECIDUOUS  TREES 
AND  SHRUBS. 

The  heights  given  are  approximations  to  what  it  is  supposed 
the  plants  will  attain  in  this  country,  in  order  to  serve  as 
some  guide  in  planting  them  out. 

Acacia  Julibrissin,  20  feet — Julibrissin  tree,  or  purple  Acacia; 

very  handsome. 
Acer  platanoides,  60  feet — maple. 

campestre,  30  feet — English  maple. 

laciniatum,  20  feet — cut-leaved  maple. 

saccharinum,  60  feet — sugar  maple. 

Nigrum,  50  feet — black  maple. 

JEsculus  Hippocastaneum,  60  feet — horse-chestnut. 

fldre  pleno — double-flowered. 


—  rubicunda — red  flowered. 


Amdrpha  fructicosa,  10  feet — bastard  indigo. 
Anipeldpsis  quinquefolia,  Virginia  creeper;  very  fine  for  cover- 
ing walls  or  trees. 
Amygdalis  nh,na,  3  feet — dwarf-flowering  almond. 

communis  flore  pleno,   15  feet — double-flowered 

peach. 

pendula,  10  feet — weeping  peach. 

Andrdmeda  polifolia,  2  feet — powdered  andromeda. 

grandiflora,  2  feet — large-flowered  andromeda. 

Aralia  japdnica,  12  feet — Japan  aralia. 

Aristolochia  sipho — Dutchman's  pipe,  a  splendid  climber. 

Azaleas,  3  feet — hardy  sorts,  all  beautiful. 

Berberis  vulgaris,  6  feet — Barberry. 

■ tilba,  4  feet — white  fruited. 

aristata,  6  feet — very  distinct. 

purpiireus,  4  feet — purple  leaved. 

Betula  illba,  50  feet — white  birch. 

pendula,  20  feet — weeping  birch. 

laciuiata,  40  feet — cut-leaved  birch. 

Biiddlea  Lindleyana,  3  feet — Lindley's  buddlea. 
globosa,  20  feet — globe-flowered 


LIST   OP   SELECT   HARDY   DECIDUOUS   TREES,   ETC.     331 

Calycdnthus  floridus,  6  feet — flowering  shrub. 

■ fragr^ns,  4  feet — Chinese  allspice. 

Castanea  iuteii,  40  feet — yellow-flowered  chestnut. 

pumila,  6  feet — dwarf  chestnut. 

Catdlpa  syringaefolia,  30  feet — flowering  catalpa. 
Cerasus  vulgaris  fl.  pi.,  40  feet — double-flowering  cherry. 

pendvila,  6  feet — weeping  cherry. 

Cercis  Canadensis,  20  feet — Judas  tree  or  red-bud. 
Chionanthus  Virginica,  20  feet — white  fringe  tree. 
Clethra  alnifolia,  5  feet — white  fragrant  clethra. 
Cdrnus  sanguinea,  8  feet — red  dogwood. 

■ Florida,  20  feet — white-flowering  dogwood. 

Corylus  Avellana,  10  feet — common  filbert. 

purpurea,  8  feet — purple-leaved  filbert. 

Crataegus  edulis,  20  feet — edible-fruited  hawthorn. 

splendens,  20  feet — splendid  do. 

albapleno,  15  feet — double  white  do. 

riabra  pleno,  15  feet — double  red  do. 

Cupressus  disticha,  100  feet — deciduous  cypress. 
Cydonia  Japonica,  6  feet — red  pyrus. 

41ba,  6  feet — white  do. 


sinensis,  10  feet — pink  flowering. 


Cytisus  laburnum,  20  feet — golden  chain. 

odoratus,  10  feet — sweet-scented  chain. 

alpinus  pendulus,  10  feet — weeping  labur- 
num, 
elongatus,  3  feet — dwarf  do. 


Dexltzia  scabra,  6  feet — garland  deutzia. 

' gracilis,  4  feet — dwarf  white. 

stamineae,  6  feet — large  white-flowered  deutzia. 

Eiionymus  Americiinus,   10  feet — spindle  tree,   or    burning 
bush. 

Europeus,  10  feet — European  do. 

albus,  10  feet — white  fruited  do. 

Fagus  sylv4tica  purpi^irea,  30  feet — purple  beech. 

asplcnifolia,  20  feet — fern-leaved  beech. 

■ pendula,  16  feet — weeping  do. 

Forsythia   viridissima,  10  feet — yellow  flowered,  large   and 

showy. 
Fr^xinus  exc61sior  pendula,  30  feet — \^eeping  ash. 

aiirea,  20  feet — golden  ash. 

Fraxinus  excelsior  argentea,  20  feet — silver-edged  ash. 
salicifolia — willow-leaved  ash. 


332     LIST  OP  SELECT    HARDY  DECIDUOUS   TREES,  ETC. 

Gymnddadus  Canadensis,  70  feet — Kentucky  coffee  tree. 
Hal6sia  diptera,  15  feet — silver-bell  tree. 

tetraptera,  15  feet — snow-drop  tree,  heautiful. 

Hibiscus  syriacus,  all  very  beautiful,  6  feet — Althaeas,  make 

very  ornamental  hedges. 
Hypericum  kalmianum,  4  feet — St.  Johns-wort. 
Juglans  regia,  30  feet — English  or  Madeira  walnut. 
Kerria  Japdnica,  6  feet — or  yellow  corchorus. 
Kolreuteria  paniculata,  20  feet — yellow  flowered,  beautiful. 
Larix  Americana,  50  feet — American  larch. 

Europaea,  50  feet — European        do. 

pendula — weeping  larch. 

Lavandula  spica,  3  feet — lavender. 

Ligiistrum  vulg^re,  8  feet — prim  or   privet,  fine  for  fancy 

hedges. 
Liriodendron  tulipifera,  80  feet — tulip  tree. 
Lonicera  tartarica,  6  feet — Tartarian  honeysuckle. 

rubra,  6  feet — red  flowered,  do. 


Ledeboiirii,  4  feet — Ledebours  do. 

■ xyldsteum,  6  feet — fly  do. 

Madura  aurantiaca,  30  feet,  Osage  orange,  fine  for  hedges. 
Magnolia  conspicua,  20  feet — Chinese,  or  early  white  mag- 
nolia. 

cordata,  60  feet — heart-leaved  magnolia. 

glauca,  15  feet — swamp  laurel,  or  magnolia. 

macrophylla,  40  feet — broad-leaved     do. 

purpurea,  8  feet — purple-flowered       do. 

rubra,  8  feet — red-flowered  do. 


—  soulangiana,  20  feet — Chinese  striped  do. 
tripetala,  70  feet — cucumber  tree. 


Require 
shade. 


Mespilus  Germanica,  10  feet — Dutch  medlar. 

Oxycdccus  macrocdrpus,  10  feet — mountain  cranberry. 

Pseonia  arborea  fl.  pi.,  3  feet — tree  paeonia,  double " 
flowered. 

papaveraceae,  3  feet — single  flow- 
ered, white. 

■ rdsea,  3  feet — rose-coloured. 

Pauldwnia  imperialis,  30  feet — Chinese  imperial  tree,  fragrant. 

Philadelphus  coron^rius,  8  feet — mock  orange. 

flore  pleno,  4  feet — double  flowered. 

grandiflorus,    12    feet — large    white 

flowered. 

Pl4tanus  orientklis,  80  feet — Chinese  buttonwood. 


LIST   OF   SELECT   UARDY   DECIDUOUS   TREES,  ETC.     333 

P5pulus  tr^mula  p^ndula,  20  feet — weeping  poplar. 

alba,  30  feet — tree  d'Abele,  or  silver  poplar. 

Ptelea  trifoliata,  15  feet — hop  tree. 
Pyrus  nivalis,  15  feet — snowy  pyrus. 

Americana,  20  feet — American  rowan  tree. 

Aucuparia,  20  feet — European         do. 

vestita,  20  feet — waving  do. 

mains  flore  pleno,  15  feet — double  flowering  apple. 

Quercus,  20  to  80  feet.     The  oak,  though  a  common  tree, 

should  not  be  discarded  in  planting ;  it  is  both  beautiful 

and  valuable. 
Rhiis  cdtinus,  12  feet — mist  tree. 
Ribes  aureum,  7  feet — yellow  flowering  currant. 
sangiiineum,   4   feet — red  flowered,  though    a   native, 

does  not  do  well  in  this  latitude. 
Robinia  hispida,  4  feet — rose  acacia. 

viscosa,  20  feet — white  flowered. 

Salisbiiria  adiantifolia,  60  feet — Giuko,  or  maiden-hair  tree. 
Salix  babyldnica,  40  feet — weeping  willow. 

' crispa,  30  feet — ringlet  willow. 

Americana  pendula,  15  feet — New  weeping  willow.  . 

Shepherdia  argentea,  30  feet — buffalo  berry. 
Sophora  Japdnica,  20  feet — Japan  Sophora. 

pendula,  15  feet — weeping     do. 

Spiraea — all  very  beautiful  dwarf-growing  shrubs,  with  white 

or  pink  flowers,  exceedingly  ornamental. 
Syrlnga  vulgaris,  10  feet — purple  lilac. 

alba,  10  feet — white  do. 

The   red  and  white  Persian,  6  feet — Charles  the   10th  and 

other  sorts,  are  indispensable  when  planting  shrubbery. 
Taraarix  Germanica,  10  feet — tamarisk  tree,  singular. 
Tilia  Europaea,  40  feet — Eui-opean  linden. 

• Americana,  60  feet — American  do. 

Ulmus  Americana,  80  feet — American  elm. 

campestris,  50  feet — English    do. 

montaua,  60  feet — mountain     do. 

pendula — weeping  do. 

Viburnum  dpulus,  10  feet — guelder  rose. 

• oxycdccus,  12  feet — tree  cranberry. 

Vitex  Agnus  castus,  8  feet — chase  tree. 

Weigelea  rosea,  4  feet — rose  coloured,  elegant,  unique. 

Xanthoxylum  fraxineum,  10  feet — toothache  tree. 


834 


TABLE  OF  SOILS 


The  following  compounds  of  soils  are  adapted  to  the  nature  of  the 
Plants  contained  in  this  work : — 


Ntjmbek. 

Savanna 

Loam. 

Leaf. 

1 

2 

- 

1 

- 

— 

2 

■~ 

- 

3 

- 

2 

3 

- 

4 

- 

_ 

4 

_ 

-, 

2 

- 

1 

5 

all 

- 

_ 

- 

_ 

6 

3 

_ 

1 

- 

_ 

7 

_ 

- 

3 

- 

1 

8 

4 

. 

1 

. 

_ 

9 

_ 

- 

2 

_ 

2 

10 

1 

- 

1 

- 

1 

11 

_ 

- 

3 

- 

2 

12 

_ 

. 

3 

- 

1 

13 

2 

- 

2 

- 

1 

14 

_ 

. 

4 

. 

_ 

15 

_ 

- 

4 

- 

2 

16 

4 

- 

_ 

- 

1 

17 

„ 

- 

5 

. 

1 

V8 

_ 

- 

1 

- 

1 

19 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

Sand. 

1 
1 
J 


Manure. 
1 


BEMAEKS  ON  THE  NATURE  OF  SOILS  USED  IN  THE  ABOVE  TABLE. 

Peat  or  Savanna  soil  is  of  a  dark  colour,  -with  a  large  portion  of  white 
sand  incorporated  with  it,  and  is  found  frequently  in  New  Jersey. 
A  mixture  of  two-thirds  black  earth  from  the  woods  and  one-third 
of  pure  white  sand  will  be  similar  to  it,  and  may  be  used  as  a  sub- 
stitute, but  it  is  not  exactly  of  the  same  nature. 

Loam  is  of  a  light-brown  colour,  and  is  that  from  the  top  of  old  pas- 
tures or  commons,  which  should  lie  one  year,  and  be  frequently 
turned  before  using.  It  ought  not  to  be  from  a  clay  bottom,  and 
merely  three  inches  of  the  turf  taken. 

Lsaf,  mould  is  that  which  is  to  be  found  on  the  surface  of  the  ground 
in  woods,  and  is  the  decomposed  leaves.  It  may  be  termed  nearly 
of  first  rate  importance  in  vegetation. 

Sand  is  a  substance  that  is  generally  known,  and  that  which  is  found 
on  the  surface  is  decidedly  the  best.  If  it  is  from  a  pit,  it  must  be 
spread  out  and  frequently  turned,  that  it  may  assimilate  with  the 
atmosphere  before  using ;  four  months  will  be  suiBcient. 

Manure,  before  using,  must  be  decomposed  to  very  fine  particles.  It 
will  require  two  years,  during  which  time  it  iQust  be  often  turned, 
and  the  longer  it  lies  it  will  be  the  finer  and  more  congenial. 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


Acacia,  151,  201 

Achimenes,  202 
Aconitum,  39 
Adam's  needle,  50 
Adonis,  38 
iEschynanthus,  151 
^thiiopian  lily,  275 
Agapanthus,  201 
Ageratum,  29 
Air  plants,  187 
Allspice  tree,  171 
Allamanda,  152 
Alligator  pear,  169 
Aloe,  202 
Alonsoa,  202 
Aloysia,  203 
Alpinia,  146 
Alstroemeria,  203 
Althaea,  23 

Amaryllis,  96,  111,  203 
Amaranthus,  31 
American  cowslip,  42 

sultan,  31 

Amomum,  146 
Amorpha,  23 
Ampelopsis,  87 
Anemone,  38,  120,  283 

of  planting,  120 

Aniseed  tree,  239 

Annesleia,  151 

Annuals,  list  of,  for  hot-bed,  29 

hardy,  33 

Anomatheca,  279 
Anthericum,  39 
Antirrhinum,  39 
Aphelandra,  152 
Apicra,  269 


Araucaria,  204 

Arbor  vitse,  98 

Arbutus,  205 

Ardisia,  151 

Areca,  152 

Aristolochia,  84,  153 

Asclepias,  39 

Aster,  205 

Astrapea,  153 

Aucuba,  205 

Auricula,  21,  47,  53,  110 

character  of  a  fire,  9i 


Azalea,  205 
Azorian  jasmine,  339 

Babiana,  279 
Balsamina,  29 
Bamboo  cane,  153 
Bambusa,  153 
Banana  tree,  170 
Banisteria,  153 
Banksia,  206 
Barbadoes  cherry,  170 

gooseberry,  158 


Barosma,  207 
Beaufortia,  207 
Beaumontia,  153 
Begonia,  207 
Bell  clematis,  85 
Belladonna,  97,  111 
Bellis,  39 
Benthamia,  207 
Bergamotte,  224 
Bignonia,  86 
Bindweed,  33 
Birthwort,  84 
Bletia,  154,  207 


(335) 


3B6 


INDEX. 


Bonapartea,  154 
Boronia,  208 
Bouvardia,  208 
Brachysema,  208 
Brachycome,  34 
Bramble  rose,  303 
Brassia,  187 
Brompton  stock,  43 
Browallia,  29 
Brunsfelsia,  154 
Brunsvigia,  208 
Brugmansia,  208 
Budding  roses,  114 
Buddlea,  154 
Burchellia,  209 

Cabbage  tree,  152 

Cacalia,  29 

Cactus,  149,  155,  209 

grafting  of,  158 

Calathea,  154 
Calandrinia,  29 
Calceolaria,  209 
Calla,  275 
Callicoma,  210 
Calothamnus,  210 
Calystegia,  84 
Camellias,  list  of,  210 

195,  211 

in  rooms,  306 

Campanula,  40 
Camphor  tree,  240 
Canary-bird  flower,  33 
Candytuft,  33 

Canna,  165,  182 
Cantua,  37 
Cape  myrtle,  244 
jasmine,  164,  269 

Aster,  223 

Caprifolium,  87 

Carnation,  21,  42,  52,  92,  112,  117 

on  laying,  113 

character  of  a,  112 

Carolina  jasmine,  235 
Caryophyllus,  159 
Catasetum,  187 
Catalonian  jasmine,  239 
Catchfly,  38 
Cattleya,  187 
Ceanothus,  222 
Celosia,  29 


Centradenia,  159 
Centranthus,  50 
Centaurea,  34 
Cerbera,  159 
Cereus,  156 
Ceropegia,  158 
Cestrum,  223 
Chamserops,  269 
Cheiranthus,  40 
Chelone,  40 
Chili  jasmine,  171 

pine,  203 

Chinese  hybrid  roses,  63 
■ primrose,  284 

pink,  31 

arbor  vitse,  98 


Chorozemia,  223 

Chrysanthemum,  40,  41 

Chryseis,  34 

Cineraria,  223 

Cinnamomum,  169,  223,  24( 

Cistus,  223 

Citrus,  224 

Clarkia,  30 

Clematis,  42,  84,  224 

Cleome,  30 

Clerodendron,  159,  224 

Clethra,  225 

Clianthus,  225 

Clivea,  225 

Clintonia,  29 

Clove  tree,  159 

Cobsea,  225 

Coffee,  159 

Cofl'ee  tree,  159 

Colchicum,  111 

Colliusia,  31 

Colutea,  23 

Combretum,  159 

Commelina,  31 

Convolvulus,  34 

Coreopsis,  42 

Coral  plant,  162 

honeysuckle,  87 

Corn  flag,  279 
Coronilla,  226 
Correa,  226 
Corypha,  160 
Cotyledon,  194 
Cowslip,  47 
■■  Crane's  bill,  236 


INDEX. 


837 


Crassula,  226 
Crataegus,  227 
Crinum,  160,  227 
Crocus,  121 
Croton,  160 
Crowea,  227 
Cunonia,  227 
Cupliea,  227 
Curcuma,  146 
Cycas,  160 
Cyclamen,  275 
Cydonia,  125 
Cymbidium,  207 
Cypripedium,  161 
Cypress  vine,  34 
Cyrtanthera,  161 
Cyrtanthus,  227 
Cyrtoceras,  161 
Cytisus,  23 

Dahlia,  history  of,  101 

•  character  of,  107 

list  of,  105 

on  lifting  the,  126 

propagation  of,  102 

Daisy,  39,  125 
Dampiera,  228 
Daphne,  283 
Date  palm,  173 
Daviesia,  228 
Day  lily,  44 
Delphinium,  42 
Dendrobium,  187 
Dianthus,  42 
Dictamnus,  43 
Dielytra,  43 
Digitalis,  37 
Dillwynia,  228 
Diongea,  146 
Diosma,  228 
Diplacus,  229 
Dodecatheon,  43 
Double  rocket,  21 

larkspur,  120 

wallflower,  21, 

Doryanthes,  229 
Dracaena,  161,  229 
Dracocephalum,  43 
Dragon's  head,  43 
Dragon  tree,  161 
Dropwort,  49 
29 


110 


Dryandra,  229 
Dutchman's  pipe,  84 
Dyckia,  229 

Echeveria,  229 

Echinocactus,  156 

Edgings  of  various  plants,  60 

Edwardsia,  230 

Elephant's  foot,  255 

Elichrysum,  230 

Enkianthus,  230 

Entelea,  253 

Epacris,  200,  230 

Epidendrum,  187 

Epiphyllum,  157 

Epiphytes,  187 

Eranthemum,  162 

Erica,  200,  231 

Eriobotrya,  232 

Erodium,  233 

Erythrina,  127,  162,  233 

Erysimum,  33 

Escallonia,  233 

Eschscholtzia,  33 

Eucalyptus,  233 

Eucomis,  193 

Eugenia,  162,  239 

Euonymus,  99 

Eupatorium,  43,  234 

Euphorbia,  162 

Eutaxia,  234 

Evergreen  shrubs,  of  planting  88 

Evening  primrose,  33,  46 

Everlasting,  236 

Fabiana,  335 
Fair  eye,  33 
Fan  palm,  168 
Ferraria,  194 
Ficus,  163,  234 
Fig  tree,  163 
Flos  Adonis,  34 
Flax,  242 

Flower-garden,  on  laying  out  a,  17 
de  luce,  44,  122 


Flues,  on  constructing,  134 
Fourcroya,  194 
Foxglove,  37 
Franciscea,  164 
Fraxinella,  42 
French  honeysuckle,  36 


338 


INDEX. 


French  eglantine  rose  for  stock, 

114 
Fritillaria,  117 

framing  of,  21,  29 

Fuchsia,  234 

Funkia,  44 

Furnace,  on  constructing,  134 

Gardenia,  164,  269 
Gardoquia,  235 
Gasteria.  269 
Geissomeria,  164 
Gelsemium,  235 
Genista,  23,  236 
Gentiana,  44 
Geranium,  236 
Gerardia,  38 
German  stocks,  128 
Gesneria,  146,  147 
Geum,  44 
Gilia,  34 

Gladiolus,  96,  193,  279 
Gloriosa,  147 
Glory  flower,  225 
Gloxinia,  146,  147 
Glycine,  86 
Gnaphalium,  236 
Gongora,  187 
Gomphrena,  31 
Gorteria,  236 
Grafting,  60 
Grape  vine,  culture  of,  309 

pruning  of,  319 

manure  of,  221 

descriptive  catalogue 

of,  322 
Grass  and  other  edgings,  30 
Green-house,  on  erecting  a,  189 
Grove  love,  35 

Guano,  introduction  and  p.  58 
Gum-elastic  tree,  234 

Habranthus,  237 
Hawkweed,  34 
Haworthia,  269 
Heart's-ease,  35,  94 

culture  of,  94 

character  of,  96 

Heath,  200,  231 
Hedera,  86 
Hedychium,  146,  182 


Hedysarum,  38 
Helianthus,  34 
Helichrysum,  237 
Heliconia,  164 
Heliophila,  34 
Heliotropium,  164 
Hemerocallis,  44 
Hemimeris,  202 
Hemlock  spruce,  98 
Heron's  bill,  236 
Hibbertia,  237 
Hibiscus,  44,  164 
Hieracium,  34 
Holly,  238 
Hollyhock,  37 
Honeysuckle,  24,  87 
Hottentot's  bread,  255 
Hovea,  237 
Hoya,  165 
Humea,  38 
Hyacinth,  121 

character  of  a,  90 


Hybrid  roses,  63 
Hydrangea,  238 
Hypericum,  237 

Iberis,  34 

Ice  plant,  31 

Hex,  238 

lUicium,  239 

ludigofera,  239 

Indigo  tree,  239 

Insects,  destruction  of,  HO 

Ipomoea,  33,  165 

Ipomopsis,  37 

Iris,  45,  122 

Irish  ivy,  86 

Ismene,  166 

Ixia,  143,  193,  280 

Ixora,  166 

Jacksonia,  239 
Jacobsea  lily,  96 
Jambosa,  166,  239 
Japan  day  lily,  43 
Jasmine,  87 

Jasminum,  87,  167,  239 
Jatropha,  167 
Jonquil,  122 
Juniperus,  98 
Justicia,  167,  240 


INDEX. 


839 


Ksempferia,  146,  176 

Kalosantlies,  226 
Kennedia,  2-10 

Lachenalia,  143,  192,  276 
Ladies'  slipper,  28 

■ plant,  161 

Lagerstroemia,  264 
Lantana,  168 
Larkspur,  41 
Lasiopetalum,  240 
Laslandra,  168 
Latania,  168 
Lathyrus,  34 
Laurus,  168,  240 
Laurustinus,  259 
Lavandula,  241 
Lavender,  60,  241 
Leschenaultia,  241 
Leadwort,  47,  250 
Leouotis,  241 
Leptospermum,  241 
Leptosiphon,  200 
Leucadendron,  241 
Leucosperraum,  242 
Liatris,  45 
Lilium,  122,  280 
Lily,  122,  280 
Liuum,  242 
Lion's  ear,  241 
Loasa,  34 
LobeUa,  242 
London  pride,  48 
Lonicera,  87,  242 
Lophospermum,  242,  251 
Love  lies  bleeding,  34 
Loquat,  232 
Lunaria,  38 
Lupinus,  34 
Lychnis,  45,  242 
Lycopodium,  169 
Lythi-um,  46 

Magnolia,  243 
Mahernia,  243 
Mahogany  tree,  175 
Malabar  nut,  240 
Malay  apple,  167 
Malope,  35 
Mammillaria,  155 
Mandevilli'^,  1"0 


Manettia,  243 

Manetti  rose  for  stock,  114 

Mangifera,  169 

Mango  tree,  169 

Manihot,  168 

Marica,  169 

Marigold,  34 

Marvel  of  Peni,  35 

Mastich  ti-ee,  250 

Matthiola,  45 

Maurandia,  34 

Maxillaria,  187 

Meadow  sweet,  48 

Medinella,  170 

Melaleuca,  243 

Melastoma,  170,  243 

Melocactus,  155 

Mesenibryanthemum,  30,  194,  270 

Mespilus,  232,  244 

INIetrosideros,  244 

Mexican  lily,  201 

Mignionette,  35 

Mimosa,  31,  200 

Mirabilis,  35 

Mimulus,  45 

Monarda,  45 

Monkey  flower,  46 

Monk's  hood,  39 

Musa,  149,  170 

Musk  scabious,  38 

Myrsine,  244 

Myrtle,  171 

Myrtus,  171,  244 

Nandina,  246 
Narcissus,  122 
Neapolitan  violet,  49 
Nemophila,  35 
Nepenthes,  171 
Nerium,  245 
New  Zealand  flax,  249 
Norfolk  Island  pine,  204 
Night-blooming  cereus,  156 
jasmine,  223 


Nintooa,  242 

CEnothera,  47 
Olea,  245 

Oleander,  200,  245 
OUve,  245 
Oncidium,  187 


S40 


INDEX. 


Opuntia,  158 
Orchideous  plants,  187 
Ornithogalum,  276 
Ossoea,  170 
Oxalis,  276,  280 
Oxlip,  47 
Oxylobium,  246 

Pachidendron,  269 
Pseonias,  122,  284 
Pancratium,  166,  171 
Pandanus,  172 
Pansy,  35 
Papaver,  36 
Passiflora,  87,  172,  246 
Passion  vine,  87,  172,  246 
Pelargonium,  246 

,  list  of,  248 

Pentstemon,  21 
Pereskia,  158 
Periploca,  86 
Periwinkle,  31 
Persea,  169 
Petunia,  31 
Phaseolus,  249 
Phlox,  47 
Phoenix,  173,  249 
Phormium,  249 
Photinia,  227 
Phyrnium,  146 
Phylica,  249 
Physic  nut,  167 
Pimelea,  249 
Pimenta,  171 
Pinks,  42,  51,  92,  112 
Pinus,  100 
Pistachia,  250 
Pitcher  plant,  171 
Pittosporum,  250 
Plantain  tree,  170 
Platylobium,  250 
Plumbago,  47,  173,  250 
Plumeria,  173 
Podalyria,  250 
Poinsettia,  173,  182 
Poivrea,  160 
Polianthes  tuberosa,  93 
Polyanthus,  21,  92,  110 

character  of  a,  98 

Pomegranate,  264 
Potontilla,  47 


Portulaca,  31 
Primrose,  47,  92 
Primula,  47,  284 
Prince's  feather,  33 
Protea,  250 
Pruning,  21 
Pultenea,  251 
Pyrus,  125 

Queen  Margaret,  31 

plant,  175,  254 

stock,  45 


Eagged  Robin,  45 
Ranunculus,  21,  53,  91,  109,  111 
—  character  of  a,  82 


Red  cedar,  98 

spider,  141 

Renantbera,  192 

Reseda,  34,  801 

Rhapis,  174 

Rhododendron,  251 

Rhodochiton,  251 

Rhus,  23 

Richardia,  275 

Rhipidodendron,  269 

Robinia,  23 

Rochea,  226 

Rocket  larkspur,  34 

Rock  rose,  223 

Roella,  252 

Rondeletia,  174 

Rooms,  treatment  of  plants  in,  289 

Rose  campion,  37 

tree,  251 

Roses,  budding,  114 

Chinese   or  Bengal,   ever* 

blooming,  71 

climbing,  80 

daily,  71 

hardy  garden,  list  of,  54 

hybrid  Chinese,  list  of,  63 

hybrid,  perpetual,  67 

risle  de  Bourbon,  69 

microphylla,  82 

musk-scented,  79 

noisette,  76 

odorata  or  tea,  73 

of  grafting,  67 

perpetual,  66 

i striped,  list  of,  65 


INDEX. 


341 


Rubus,  303 
Ruellia,  174 
Kusselia,  174 

Sage,  252 

Sago  palm,  174 

Sagus,  174 

Salpiglossus,  31 

Salvia,  252 

Saponaria,  47 

Saxifraga,  49 

Scabiosa,  37 

Schizanthus,  28 

Scottia,  253 

Screw  piue,  172 

Senecio,  253 

Sensitive  plant,  31 

Shrubs,  evergreen,  327 

Shortia,  31 

Silene,  48 

Silk  vine,  86 

Silver  tree,  241 

Snail  flower,  249 

Snapdragon,  39 

Soils,  Table  of,  334 

Solandra,  174 

Sollya,  253 

Sparaxis,  281 

Sparmannia,  258 
Speedwell,  49 
Spherolobium,  254 
Spiderwort,  177 
Spirsea,  49 
Spurge,  162 

laurel,  284 

Spreikelia,  96 
Sprengelia,  254 
Stanhopea,  187 
Star  of  Bethlehem,  276 
St.  Bamos  lily,  39 
St.  Johnswort,  237 
Statice,  49 
Sternbergia,  111 
Stephanotis,  175 
Stigmaphyllon,  175 
Stock  gilly,  21,  45 
Stork's  biU,  246 
Strelitzia,  175,  254 
Strawberry  tree,  205 

. pear,  157 

Btreptocarpus,  264 

29* 


Styphelia,  254 
Summer  heliotrope,  35 
Sutherlandia,  254 
Swainsonia,  254 
Sweet  William,  32 
bay,  128 


pea,  34 

sultan,  30 


Swietenia,  175 
Sword  lily,  96 

Tabernoemontana,  176 
Tacsonia,  257 
Tagetes,  33 
Tea-plant,  255 
Tecoma,  86,  175,  255 
Testudinaria,  255 
Thea,  255 
Thrift,  48,  60 
Thrinax,  176 
Thuja,  99 

Thunbergia,  31,  176 
Thyme,  60 
Tiger  flower,  97 
Tigridia,  97 
Torenia,  176 
Touruefortia,  35 
Tradescantia,  176 
Trees,  hardy,  330 
Trie  primrose,  33 
-  poeony,  284 
Tritonia,  281 
Tropffiolum,  31,  257 
Tuberose,  93,  102,  119 
Tulip,  of  planting  the,  123 

character  of  a  good,  31 


Tulips,  51,  90,  109,  200 
Turk's  cap,  156 

Urania,  176 

Valeriana,  50 
Variegated  Euphorbia,  35 
Vanda,  187 
Venus'  paint-brush,  31 

fly-trap,  145 

Verbena,  257 
Veronica,  50,  259 
Viburnum,  23,  259 
Viminaria,  259 
Vinca,  31,  76 


342 

Viola,  50,  94 

Virgin's  bower,  42,  84,  224 

Volkameria.  224 

Wachendorfia,  192 
Wahlenbergia,  40 
Wall  flower,  40,  110,  128 
Watsonia,  281 
Wax  plant,  165 
Westringia,  260 
Wind  flower,  38 


INDEX. 


Wistaria,  86 
Witsenia,  260 
1  Wolf's-bane   39 

Yucca,  50,  260 

Zamia,  176,  260 
Zebra  plant,  154 
Zingiber,  146,  182 
Zinnia,  81 
Zygopetalum,  188 


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Being  a  Complete  Description  op  Farm  Houses,  Cottages  and 

Out  Buildings,  comprising  Wood  Uouses,  Workshops,  Tool  Houses,  Carriage  and  Wagon 
Houses,  Stables,  Smoke  and  Ash  Houses,  Ice  Houses,  Apiaries  or  Bee  Houses,  Poultry 
Houses,  Rabbitry,  Dovecote,  Pigeery,  Barns  and  Sheds  for  Cattle,  &c.,  &c.  ;  together 
with  Lawns,  Pleasure  Grounds  and  Parks  ;  the  Flower,  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Garden  ; 
also,  the  best  method  of  Conducting  water  into  Cattle  Yards  and  Houses.  Beautifully 
illustrated. 
ALLEN  (J.  FISZ)  ON  THE  CULTURE  OF  THE  GRAPE,  -  -  1  00 
A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Culture  and  Treatment  op  thb 

Grape  Vine,  embracing  its  History,  with  Directions  for  its  Treatment  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  in  the  Open  Air  and  under  Glass  Structures,  with  and  withoul 
Artiacial  Heat 

Mailed  poit  paid  upon  receipt  of  price. 


<i  Bool's  jinhiished  by  C.  M.  Saxton,  'Barker  &  Co. 


AHCEEICAN  ASCHITECT, 6  00 

Comprising  Original  Designs  of  Cheap  Country  and  Village 

Residences,  willi  Details,  Specifloations,  Plans  aad  Directions,  and  an  Estimate  of  the  Cosl 
of  each  Design.  By  Jonx  W.  Rircn,  Architect.  First  and  Second  Series,  4to,  bound  in 
1vol. 

&MESICAN  FLOBIST'S  GUIDE, 75 

Comprising   the  American  Rose  Culturist,  and  Every  liADY 

her  own  Flower  Gardener. 

AERY'S  FEUIT  GARDEN, 1  25 

A  Treatise,  Intended  to  Explain  and  Illustrate  the  Physi- 

ology  of  Fruit  Trees,  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  all  Operations  connected  with  the 
Propagation,  Transplanting,  Pruning  and  Training  of  Orchard  and  Garden  Trees,  as 
Standards,  Dwarfs,  Pyramids,  B^paUer,  &c.  The  Laying  out  and  Arranging  different 
kinds  of  Orchards  and  Gardens,  the  selection  of  suitable  varieties  for  different  purposes 
and  localities.  Gathering  and  Preserving  Fruits,  Treatment  of  Diseases,  Destruction  of 
Insects,  Description  and  Uses  of  Implements,  &c.  Dlustrated  with  upwards  of  150 
Figures.    By  P.  Barry,  of  the  Mount  Hope  Nurseries,  Rochester,  N.  Y. 

BEMENT'S  (C.  N.)  RABBIT  FANCIER, 50 

A  Treatise  on  the  Breeding,  Rearing,  Feeding  and  General 

Management  of  Rabbits,  with  Remarks  upon  their  Diseases  and  Remedies,  to  which  are 
added  Full  Directions  for  the  Construction  of  Hutches,  Rabbitries,  &c.,  together  with 
Recipes  for  Cooking  and  Dressing  for  the  Table.     Beautifully  illustrated. 

BLAKE'S  (REV.  JOHN  L.)  FARMER  AT  HOME,      -      -      -      -      1  25 

A   Family  Text  Book   for  the    Country  ;  being  a  Cyclopedia 

of  Agricultural  Implements  and  Productions,  and  of  the  more  important  topics  in 
Domestic  Economy,  Science  and  Literature,  adapted  to  Rural  Life.  By  Kev.  Johs  L. 
BlAKE,  D.  D. 

BOTJSSINGATJLT'S  (J.  B.)  RURAL  ECONOMY, 1  25 

Or,  Chemistry  Applied  to  Agriculture  ;  presenting  Distinctly 

and  in  a  Simple  Manner  the  Principles  of  Farm  Management,  the  Preservation  and  Use  of 
Manures,  the  Nutrition  and  Food  of  Animals,  and  the  General  Economy  of  Agriculture. 
The  work  is  the  fruit  of  a  long  life  of  study  and  experiment,  and  its  perusal  will  aid  the 
farmer  greatly  in  obtaining  a  practical  and  scientific  knowledge  of  his  profession. 

BROWNE'S  AMERICAN  BIRD  FANCIER, 25 

The;  Breeding,  Rearing,  Feeding,  Management   and  Peculi- 

arities  of  Cage  and  House  Birds.     Illustrated  with  engravings. 
BROWNE'S  AMERICAN  POULTRY  YARD, 1  00 

Comprising    the    Origin,    History  and    Description    of    thk 

Different  Breeds  of  Domestic  Poultry,  with  Complete  Directions  for  their  Breeding, 
Crossing,  Rearing,  Fattening  and  Preparation  for  Market  ;  including  specific  directions 
for  Caponizing  Fowls,  and  for  the  Treatment  of  the  Principal  Diseases  to  which  they  are 
subject,  drawn  from  authentic  somxcs  aud  personal  observation.  Illustrated  with 
numerous  engravings. 

BROWNE'S  (D.  JAY)  FIELD  BOOK  OF  MANURES,     -       -      -      -      1  25 

Or,  American  Muck  Book  ;  Treating  of  the  Nature,  Properties, 

Sources,  History  and  Operations  of  all  the  Principal  Fertilizers  and  Manures  in  Common 
Use,  with  speciic  directions  for  their  Preservation  and  Application  to  the  Soil  aud  to 
Crops  ;  drawn  from  authentic  sources,  actual  experience  and  personal  observation,  as 
combined  with  the  Leading  Principles  of  Practical  and  Scientific  Agriculture. 

BRIDGEMAN'S  (THOS.)  YOUNG  GARDENER'S  ASSISTANT,     -      -       1  60 

In  Three  Parts  ;  Containing  Catalogues  of  Garden  aud  Flower 

Seed,  with  Practical  Directions  under  each  head  for  the  Cultivation  of  Cu  nary  Vege- 
tables, Flowers,  Fruit  Trees,  the  Grape  Vine,  &c.  ;  to  which  is  added  a  Calendar  to  each 
))art,  showing  the  work  necessary  to  be  done  in  the  various  departments  each  month 
of  the  year.    One  volume  octavo. 

BBIDGEMAN'S  KITCHEN  GARDENER'S  INSTRUCTOR,         >^  Cloth,      60 
"  •<  '<  '»  aoth,       60 

MaiUdpod  paid  upon  receipt  of  price. 


Books  published  hy  C.  "M.  Saxton,  Barker  &  Uo. 

BaiDGEMAirS  FLOEIST'S  GUIDE,  ......       K  Cloth,       60 

"  "  " Cloth,       60 

BEIDGEMAN'S  FEUIT  CULTIVATOB'S  MAJtniAL,     -  ^  Cloth,       60 

"  "  '  "  .      _  Cloth,      60 

BRECK'S  BOOK  OF  FLOWEES,        ........      l  QO 

In  wnicH  are  Described  all  the  Vasious  Hardy  Herbace()U3 

Perennials,  Annuals,  Shrubs,  Plants  and  Evergreen  Trees,  with  Directions  for  their 
Cultivation. 

BUJST'S  (BOBERT)  AMEKICAN  FLOWER  GARDEN  DIEECTORT,       1  25 

Containing  Practical  Directions  for  the  Culture  op  Plants, 

In  the  Flower  Garden,  Hothoust^,  Greenhouse,  Rooms  or  Parlor  Windows,  for  every 
month  in  the  Year  ;  with  a  Description  of  the  Plants  most  desirable  in  each,  the  nature 
of  the  Soil  and  situation  best  adapted  to  their  Growth,  the  Proper  Season  for  Trans- 
planting, &c.  ;  with  lustruelions  for  erecting  a  Hothouse,  Greenhouse,  and  Laying  out 
a  Flower  Garden  ;  the  whole  adapted  to  either  Large  or  Small  Gardens,  with  Instruc- 
tions for  Preparing  the  Soil,  Propagati'.g,  Planting,  Pruning,  Training  and  Fruiting  the 
Grape  Vine. 

BUIST'S  (ROBERT)  FAMILY  KITCHEN  GARDENER,      ...  75 

Containing    Plain   and    Accurate    Descriptions   op    all  the 

Dififereut  Species  and  Varieties  of  Culinary  Vegetables,  with  their  Botanical,  English, 
French  and  German  names,  alphabetically  arranged,  with  the  Best  Mode  of  Cultivat- 
mg  them  in  the  Garden  or  under  Glai5s  ;  also  Descriptions  and  Cliaraoter  of  the  most 
Select  Fruits,  their  JIauagement,  Propagation,  &c.  By  Robert  Buist,  author  of  the 
"American  Fiower  Garden  Directory,"  &c. 

CHINESE  SUGAR  CANE  AND  SUGAR-MAKING,        ....  25 

Its  History,  Culture  and  Adaptation  to  the  Soil,  Climate, 

and  Economy  of  the  Uniteil  States,  with  an  Account  of  Various  Processes  of  Manu- 
facturing Sugar.  Drawn  from  autheutic  sources,  by  Cuarles  F.  Stansburt,  A.  M.,  late 
Commissioner  at  the  Exhibition  of  all  Nations  at  Loudon. 

CHORLTON'S  GRAPE-GROWER'S  GUIDE, 60 

Intended   Especially   for   the  American  Climate.      Being  a 

Practical  Treatise  on  the  Cultivation  of  the  Grape  Vino  in  each  department  of  Hot- 
house, Cold  Grapery,  Retarding  House  and  Out-door  Culture.  With  Plans  for  the  con- 
struction of  the  Requisite  Buildings,  and  giving  the  best  methods  for  Heating  the  same. 
Every  department  being  fully  illlstratcd.     By  William  Choklion. 

COBBETT'S  AMERICAN  GARDENER, 50 

A  Treatise  on  the  Situation,  Soil  and  Layino-out  op  Gardens, 

and  the  Making  and  Managing  of  Hotbeds  and  Greenhouses,  and  on  the  Propagation 
and  Cultivation  of  the  several  soils  of  Vegetables,  Herbs,  Fruits  and  Flowers. 

COTTAGE  AND  FARM  BEE-KEEPER, 50 

A  Practical  Work,  by  a  Country  Curate. 

COLE'S  AMERICAN  FRUIT  BOOK, 50 

Containing  Directions  for  Raising,  Propagating  and  Manao- 

ing  Fruit  Trees,  Shrubs  and  Plants  ;  with  a  Description  of  the  Best  Varieties  of  Fruit, 
including  New  and  Valuable  Kinds. 

COLE'S  AMERICAN  VETERINARIAN, 50 

Containing  Diseases  op  Domestic  Animals,  their  Causes,  Sysip- 

toms  and  Remedies  ;  with  Rules  for  Restoring  and  Preserving  Health  by  good  manage- 
ment ;  also  for  Trainuig  and  Breeding.  -' 

DADD'S  AMERICAN  CATTLE  DOCTOR, 1  00 

Containing  the  Necessary   Information  for   Preserving  the 

Health  and  Curing  the  Diseases  of  Oxen,  Cows,  Sheep  and  Swiue,  with  a  Great  Variety 
of  Original  Recipes  and  Valu.able  Information  in  reference  to  Farm  and  Dairy  Manage- 
ment, whereby  every  Man  can  bo  his  own  Cattle  Doctor.  Tlie  principles  taught  in  thia 
•work  are,  that  all  Medication  shall  be  subservient  to  Nature — that  ail  Jledicines  must  be 
sanative  in  their  operation,  and  administered  with  a  view  of  aiding  the  vital  powers, 
instead  of  depressing,  as  heretofore,  with  the  lancet  or  by  poison.  By  G.  H.  Dadd,  M.  D. 
Veterinary  practitioner. 

Milled  postpaid  upon  receipt  of  price. 


4  Books  pvhlished  hy  C.  M.  Saxton,  Barker  &  Go. 

DADD'S  MODEKN  HORSE  DOCTOR, 1  00 

An  American  Book  for  American  Farmers;  Containing  Practi- 
cal Observatious  ou  the  Causes,  x\:aiiro  aud  Trcatmeut  of  Disease  and  Lameness  of 
Horses,  embracing  the  JIosfRooeiit  and  Approved  Methods,  according  to  an  culightened 
system  of  Veterinary  Practice,  for  the  Preservation  aud  Restoration  of  Health.  With 
illustrations. 

DADD'S  ANATOMY  AUD  PHYSIOLOGY  OF  THE  HORSE,  Plain,   .      2  00 

"  "  "  "  "  Colored  Plates,    4  00 

With  Anatomical  and  Questional  Illustr  itions  ;  ConTaiiiing, 

also,  a  Series  of  K.'caminations  on  Equina  Anatomy  aud  Philosophy,  with  Instructions  iu 
reference  to  Dissection  and  the  mode  of  making  Anatomical  Preparations  ;  to  which  is 
added  a  Glossary  of  Veterinary  Technical itios,  Tosicological  Chart,  and  Dictionary  of 
Veterinary  Science. 

DANA'S  MUCK  MANUAL,  FOR  THE  USE  OF  FARMERS,      -      -       1  00 

A  Treatisk  on  the  Prysical  .*nd  Chemical  Properties  of  Soils 

and  Chemistry  of  Manures  ;  ineludiiif,',  also,  the  subject  of  Composts,  Artificial  Manures 
and  Irrigation.     A  new  edition,  with  a  Chapter  on  Bones  and  Superphosphates. 

DANA'S  PRIZE  ESSAY  ON  MANURES, 26 

Submitted  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Massachusetts  Society  for 

Promoting  Agriculture,  for  their  Premium.     By  Samtet,  H.  Dana. 
DOMESTIC  AND  ORNAMENTAL  POULTRY,  Plain  Plates,    .       .       .       1  00 
"  "  ''  Colored  Plates,  .        -       2  00 

A  Treatise  on  the  History  and  Management  of  Ornamental 

and  Domestic  Poultry.  By  Kev.  Edmunti  Saul  Dixon,  A.  M.,  with  large  additions  by 
J.  J.  ICbrr,  M.  D.  Illustrated  with  sixty-flv^e  Original  Portraits,  engraved  expressly  for 
this  work.    Fourth  edition,  revised. 

DOWNING'S  (A.  J.)  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING, 3  50 

Revised,  Enlarged  and  Newly  Illustrated,  by  Henry  Win- 

throp  Sargent.  This  Great  Work,  which  has  accomplished  so  much  in  elevating  the 
American  Taste  for  Rural  Improvements,  is  now  rendered  doubly  interesting  and 
valuable  by  the  e.Kperience  of  all  the  Prominent  Cultivators  of  Ornamental  Ti'ees  in  the 
United  States,  and  by  the  descriptions  (jf  American  Places,  Private  Residences,  Central 
Park,  New  York,  Llewellyn  Park,  New  Jersey,  and  a  full  account  of  the  Newer  Iiecidn- 
ous  and  Evergreen  Trees  and  Shrubs.  Tlio  illustrations  of  this  edition  consist  of  seven 
superb  steel  plate  engravings,  by  Smilue,  ID.vsiielwood,  Duthik  and  others  ;  besides  one 
hundred  engravings  on  vxtod  and  stone,  of  the  best  American  Residences  and  Parks,  with 
Portraits  of  many  New  oi-  Remarkable  Trees  and  Shrubs. 

DOWNING'S  (A.  J.)  RURAL  ESSAYS, .      3  00 

On  Horticulture,  Landscape  Gardening,  Rural  Architecture, 

Trees,  Agriculture,  Fruit,  with  his  Letters  from  England.  Edited,  with  a  Memoir  of  the 
Author,  by  George  Wm.  CrRxis,  and  a  Letter  to  his  Friends,  by  Frederika  Bremer,  and 
an  elegant  Steel  Portrait  of  the  Author. 

EASTWOOD  (B.)  ON  THE  CULTIVATION  OF  THE  CRANBERRY,  60 

With  a  Description  of  the  Best  Varieties.     By  B.  Eastwood, 

"  Septimus,"  of  the  New  York  Tribune.     Illustrated. 
ELLIOTT'S  WESTERN  FRUIT  BOOK, 1  25 

A  New  Edition  of  this  Work,  Thoroughly  Revised.  Em- 
bracing all  the  New  and  Valuable  Fruits,  witli  the  Latest  Improvements  inthi-ir  Cultiva- 
tion, up  to  .Tanuary,  1S.59.  especially  adapted  to  the  wants  of  Western  Fruit  Growers  ; 
f\ill  of  excellent  illustrations.  By  F.  R.  Ei-uott,  Pomologist,  lat^'  of  Cleveland.  Ohio,  now 
of  St.  Louis.  ' 

EVERY  LADY  HER  OWN  FLOWER  GARDENER,  -   -   .   .    50 

Addressed  to  the  Industrious  and  Economical  only  ;  containing 

simple  and  practical  Directions  for  Cultivating  Plants  and  Flowers  ;  also.  Hints  for  tho 
Management  of  Flowers  in  Rooms,  with  brief  Botanical  Descriptions  of  Plants  and 
Flowers,    The  whole  in  plain  and  simple  language.    By  Louisa  Johnson. 

'  Mailed  post  vaid  upon  •eceipt  of  price. 


Books  pullished  hy  C.  M.  Saxton,  Barker  &  Co,  5 

FASM  DEAINAGE, 1  00 

The  Principles,   Processes  and  Effects  of  Drainixq  Land, 

•with  Stoues,  Wood,  Drain-plows,  Open  Ditches,  and  especially  with  Tiles  ;  incliuliug 
Tables  of  R;uiifaU,  l?vaporation,  Filtratiou,  Excavation,  capacity  "of  Pipes,  cost  and  num- 
ber to  the  acre.  With  more  than  100  illustrations.  By  the  Hon.  Hentiy  F.  Frexct,  of 
New  Hampshire. 

JESSENDEN'S  (T.  G.)  AMESICAN  KITCHEN  GAKDENER,     -      -         50 

Containing  Directions  for  the  Cultivation  of  Vegetables  and 

Garden  Fruits.    Cloth. 
FESSENDEN'S  COMPLETE  FARMER  AND  AMERICAN  GARDENER,    1  25 

RuRAi,  Economist  and  New  American  Gardener  ;    Containing 

a  Compendious  Epitome  of  the  most  ImporUiut  Branches  of  Agriculture  and  Rural 
Economy  ;  with  Practical  Directions  on  the  Cultivation  of  Fruits  and  Vegetables,  includ- 
ing Landscape  and  Ornamental  Gardening.     By  Thom.as  G.  Fesse-vdisj.     2  vols,  in  1. 

FIELD'S  PEAR  CULTURE, 1  00 

The    Pear    Garden  ;    or,  a    Treatise  on  the  Propagation  and 

Cultivation  of  the  Pear  Tree,  with  Instructions  for  its  Management  from  the  Seedling  to 
the  Bearing  Tree.     By  TnoMiis  W.  Field. 

FISH  CULTURE, 100 

A  Treatise  on  the  Artificial  Propagation  of  Fish,  and  the 

Construction  of  Ponds,  with  the  Description  and  Ilabilsof  such  kinds  of  Fish  as  are  most 
suitable  for  Pisciculture.  By  Theodatus  Garuck,  it.  D.,  Vice-President  of  the  Cleveland 
Academy  of  Nat.  Science. 

FLINT  ON  GRASSES, -      -      -      .      1  25 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  Grasses  and  Forage  Plants  ;  Com- 
prising their  Natural  History,  Comparative  Nutritive  Value,  Methods  of  Cultivation,  Cut- 
ting, Curing  and  the  Management  of  Grass  Lands.  By  Charles  L.  Funt,  A.  M. .  Sucre- 
tary  of  the  Mass.  State  Board  of  Agriculture. 

GUENON  ON  MILCH  COWS, -      -         60 

A  Treatise  on  Milch  Cows,  whereby  the  Quality  and  Quantity  of 

Milk  which  any  Cow  will  give  may  be  accurately  determined  by  observing  Natural 
Marks  or  External  Indications  alone  ;  the  length  of  time  she  \\  ill  continue  to  give  Milk, 
&c.,  &c.  By  M.  FR-iNCis  Gubxon,  of  Libourne,  France.  Translated  by  Nicuol.a.'?  P. 
Trist,  Esq.  ;  with  Introduction,  Remarks  and  Observations  on  the  Cow  and  the  Dairy, 
by  John  S.  Skix>.-er.  Illustrated  with  numerous  Engravings.  Neatly  done  up  in  paper 
covers,  37  cts. 

HERBERT'S  HINTS  TO  HORSE-KEEPERS, 1  25 

Complete  Manual  for  Horsemen  ;  Embracing  : 

How  TO  Breed  a  Horse.  How  to  Phtsio  a  Hor-se. 

How  TO  BtJY  A  Horse.  (Allopathy  and  Hoikeopathy 

How  to  Break  a  Horse.  How  to  Groom  a  Horse. 

How  TO  Us3E  A  Horse.  How  to  DRm;  a  Horse. 

How  to  Feed  a  Horse.  How  to  Ride  a  Horse. 

And  Chapters  on  Mules  and  Ponies.  By  the  late  Henry  Wiluam  Herbert  (Frank 
Forrester)  ;  with  additions,  including  Rarey's  Method  of  Horse  TAinxo,  and  Baucher's 
Sy.^em  of  Horsemanship  ;  also,  giving  directions  for  the  Selection  and  Care  of  Carriages 
and  Harness  of  every  description,  from  the  City  "  Turn  Out"  to  the  Farmer's  ''  Gear," 
and  a  Biography  of  the  eccentric  Author,     lllmlrated  throughout. 

HOOPER'S  DOG  AND  GUN, 50 

A  Few   Loose  Chapters    on  Shooting,   among  which  will   be 

found  some  Anecdotes  and  Incidents  ;  also  Instructions  for  Dog  Breaking,  and  interest- 
ing letters  from  Sportsmen.    By  A  Bad  Shot. 

HYDE'S  CHINESE  SUGAR  CANE, 24 

Containing  its   History,  Mode  of  Culture,  Manufacture   of 

the  Sugar,  &o.  ;  with  Reports  of  its  success  in  diflercnt  parts  of  the  United  States. 
Mailed  post  paid  upon  receipt  of  prii-e.    • 


6  Boolis  puUishul  hy  0,  'M.  Saxton,  Barker  &  Co. 

JOHNSTON'S  (JAMES  F.  W.)  AGRICTJLTUEAL  CHEMISTE"i,        -      1  25 

Lectub^!?   on  the  Application  of  Ohejiistry  and  Geology  to 

Ag"iculture.  Now  Edition,  with  aa  Appcudix,  contaiuiug  the  Author's  Experiments  in 
Practical  Agriculture. 

JOHNSTON'S  (J  F.  W.)  ELEMENTS  OF  AGRICULTTJKAL  CHEM- 
ISTRY AND  GEOLOGYj        -      -      - 1  00 

With  a  Complete  Analyticai.  and  Alphabetical  Index,  aud  an 

American  Preface.     By  Hon.  Simon  Brow,\,  F.ditor  ol'  the  "  New  England  Farmer. •'' 

OHNSTON'S  (J.  F.  W.)  CATECHISM  OF  AGRICULTTJEAL  CHEM- 
ISTRY AND  GEOLOGY, 25 

By    James    F.  AV.  Johnston,  Honorary   Member  of  the  Eoyal 

Agricultural  Society  of  England,  and  author  of  "  Lectures  on  Agricultural  Chemistry 
and  Geology."  With  an  Introduction  by  John  Pitkin  Norton,  M.  A.,  late  Professor  oi' 
Scientific  Agriculture  in  Yale  College.  With  Notes  and  Additions  by  the  Author,  pre- 
pared expressly  for  this  edition,  and  an  Appendix  compiled  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Education  in  Nova  Scotia.     Adapted  to  the  use  of  Schools. 

LANGSTROTH  (REV.  L.  L.)  ON  THE  HIVE  AND  HONEY  BEE,    -      1  25 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  the   Hive   and   Honey  Bee,  Third 

edition,  enlarged  and  illii^lrated  with  numerous  engraoings.  This  Work  is,  without  a 
doubt,  the  best  work  on  the  Bee  published  in  any  language,  whether  we  consider  its 
scientific  accuracy,  the  practical  instructions  it  contains,  or  the  beauty  and  completeness 
of  its  illustrations. 

LETJCHARS'  HOW  TO  ETHLD  AND  VENTILATE  HOTHOUSES,     -      1  25 

A    Practical   Treatise   on    the    Construction,  Heating   and 

Ventilation  of  Hothouses,  including  Conservatories,  Greenhouses,  Graperies  and  other 
kinds  of  Horticultural  Structures  ;  with  Practical  Directions  for  their  Management,  in 
regard  to  Light,  Heat  and  Air.  Illustrated  witli  numerous  engravings.  By  P.  B. 
LEuniAiis,  Garden  Architect. 

LIEBIG'S  (JUSTUS)  FAMILIAR  LECTURES  ON  CHEMISTRY,       -         50 

And  its  relation  to  Commerce,  Physiology,  and  Agriculture. 

Edited  by  John  Gardener,  M.  D., 
LINSLEY'S  MORGAN  HORSES,  -      -      -      -  .      .      .      .      i  qo 

A  Premium  Essay  on  the  Origin,  History,  and  Characteristics 

of  this  remarkable  American  Breed  of  Horses  ;  tracing  the  Pedigree  from  the  original 
Justin  Morgan,  through  the  most  noted  of  his  progeny,  down  to  the  present  time. 
With  numerous  portraits.  To  which  are  added  Hints  for  Breeding,  Breaking  and  Gene- 
ral Use  and  Management  of  Horses,  with  practical  Directions  for  Training  them  for 
Exhibition  at  Agricultural  Fairs.  By  D.  C.  Linsley,  Editor  of  the  American  Stock 
Journal. 

MOORE'S  RURAL  HAND  BOOKS, 1  26 

First  Series,  containing  Treatises  on — 
The  Horse,  The  Peots  of  the  Fabm, 

TnE  HoG,  Domestic  Fowia,  and 

The  Honey  Bee,  The  Cow. 

Second  Series,  containing —  ....            i  25 

Evi:ry  Lady  her  own  Flower  Gardener,  Essay  on  Manures, 

Elemeitis  of  Agriculture,  American  Kitchen  Gardener, 

Bird  Fanoer,  American  Rose  Cuixurist. 

Third  Series,  containing —        -        -        -        -        -  1  25 

MitEs  ON  THE  Horse's  Foot,  Vine-Dresser's  IIanual, 

The  RABBrr  Fancier,  Bee-Keeper's  Chart, 

Weeks  on  Bees,  Chemistry  Made  Kasy. 

Fourth  Series,  containing —       -  ...  l  26 

Phjsoz  on  TnE  Vine,  Hooper's  Dog  and  Gun, 

Ijehig's  Familur  Letters,  Skxllfui  Housewifk, 

Browxe's  Memoirs  of  Indian  Corm. 


Mailed  post  paid  upon  receipt  of  price. 


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